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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Makes a Big Impression at the Safe Schools Summit
in Modesto
GSA Network Announcements
1. Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)
2. Queer Youth Winter Ball (Bay Area)
3. Transgender Panel (Marin)
Other Announcements
4. STRANGE Meeting (Santa Cruz)
5. Theater Activism Workshop for GLBTQ Youth and Allies (SoCal)
6. GirlTalk - Lesbian Youth Group (SoCal)
7. Jewish LGBTQQ Youth Speakers Needed (North Bay)
8. New LGBTQQ Youth Recreational Group (Bay Area)
9. Poetry Contest (Sonoma County)
10. Black History Month Resource Kit
11. Planning Call for Youth-Led Anti-Racism Gathering
12. Nominees Sought for API Community Awards
13. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute
14. NEWS: ACLU Files GSA Discrimination Lawsuits
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network Makes a Big Impression at the Safe Schools Summit in Modesto
Students and staff of the central valley GSA Network presented 3 workshops at the Modesto Safe Schools Summit on Saturday, January 25th. In a workshop titled "Portraits of LGBT Youth", Jordan Schmidt, Julie Silva, and Sarah Stuebner talked about their experiences in high school. Their comments were received with respect and appreciation for their courage and dedication to making a difference. They also presented a workshop on "GSAs as a Tool for Empowerment." The third workshop presented by GSA Network focused on the Visalia Unified lawsuit settlement.
The day-long event featured 15 workshops on LGBT issues in education and a keynote address by 21 year old Derek Henkle who recently won a lawsuit against the Washoe School District in Nevada.
When the event was over, Jordan Schmidt (Bullard High School in Fresno, class of 2002) said,"I was blown away by the number of teachers and administrators who attended this conference and who demonstrated sincere concern for the welfare of LGBTQQ youth."
Way to go Central Valley GSA organizers!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)
The seventh annual Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY) Conference is coming soon!
*** Saturday, February 15, 2003
*** 9:00am - 5:00pm
*** Horace Mann Middle School
3351 23rd St., San Francisco
OHMY is a FREE, youth-led conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth dedicated to fostering safe schools and youth activism. The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adult allies and teachers are welcome!
To register for OHMY, go to http://www.gsanetwork.org/ohmy.
If you're interested in volunteering at OHMY, contact Emilie at 415-552-4229 or mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org.
OHMY is sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC with support provided by the San Francisco Public Library and Genentech Out & Equal.
Questions? E-mail mailto:ohmy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229 and ask for Emilie.
*********************************************
2. Queer Youth Winter Ball (Bay Area)
The Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program
cordially invites you to attend:
DREAMLAND
The Queer Youth Winter Ball
free
dance
no dress code
Open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and straight ally youth
Location: United Methodist Church (open & affirming)
1543 Sunnyvale Ave. in Walnut Creek
Date: January 31, 2003
Time: 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
For more information contact Adam Kahn or Robert Imada at (925) 687-8844 x304 or x310 or e-mail: mailto:empowerq@hotmail.com
(in collaboration with the GSA Network, Pacific Center, and the Rainbow Community Center)
Sponsored by: The Center for Human Development, 391 Taylor Boulevard, Suite 120, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
*********************************************
3. Transgender Panel (Marin)
What does transgender mean?
Is there a transgender community in Marin?
What are the legal issues for transgender people?
How do I know if I'm transgender?
How can we prevent hate crimes against transgender people?
Come to a PANEL, Q&A, and PIZZA PARTY
Tuesday, February 11th, 6:30-8:30pm
at the Spectrum Center for LGBT Concerns (1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.,
Suite #10, San Anselmo, 94960)
Guest panelists include:
Ellen and Tracy, transgender Marinites
Dylan Vade, Transgender Law Project
xxxxxxx, Youth Gender Project
and more!
FREE
All Bay Area GSA members and allies are invited to attend.
RSVP to Cristin (415-457-1115 x203 or mailto:CBrew@spectrummarin.org
for free pizza)
Co-Sponsored by Spectrum and GSA Network
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
4. STRANGE Meeting (Santa Cruz)
next STRANGE meeting:
* When: Sunday February 2nd, 2003 @ 3- 4:30 pm Planning/Informational
Mtg. 4:30-6ish Social
* Where: Equinox located at 755 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz
PLUS YUMMY SNACKS!!!
Calling all Queer and Queer-Friendly Youth:
Do you want to be part of a totally kick-ass, county-wide group for
queer youth and their allies?
If you said YES, then come be part of this exciting new chapter in STRANGE!!!
So far we have tons of great things in the planning stages for the new
year:
* A STRANGE Conference set to take place in the Spring
* Trip to the OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting For Youth) Conference
on February 15th in San Francisco
* And many more conferences, events, dances, socials, etc.!!!!!
Come to our next meeting to find out more about STRANGE.
Bring your friends, your hearts, your ideas, and yourselves.
STRANGE is here to serve YOU!
*********************************************
5. Theater Activism Workshop for GLBTQ Youth and Allies (SoCal)
Please join us for a FUN and FREE THEATRE ACTIVISM WORKSHOP for GLBTQ youth & their allies!
Through brainstorming, discussion, improvisation and theatre & performance
art exercises, we will collaborate to create fun & powerful school
assemblies & PSA's...
* to promote positive images of GLBTQ youth!
* to confront homophobia!
* to open dialogue about GLBT issues!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!!
Sunday, February 9, 2003, from 2-to-5pm
in Los Angeles at GLASS:
735 South La Brea Blvd.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.)
Metered street parking available and some residential
For more information AND to RSVP, contact Cassandra at (626) 399-2933 or at mailto:skorpeogrl@aol.com.
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track
record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. Two published
anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning
documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir
Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators
& parents
and RAVE REVIEWS from youth!
*********************************************
6. GirlTalk - Lesbian Youth Group (SoCal)
C*I*T*Y* Project & LA Shanti are proud to announce GirlTalk, their first youth group exclusive to lesbian youth (ages 15-24).
GirlTalk will be holding it's first meeting Saturday February 15th (right in time for post-Valentine's blues ;) at 8pm-11pm. We are located at 745 N. San Vicente Blvd. (Santa Monica & San Vicente).
We will be having a discussion, playing music (all our welcome to bring some), playing Monopoly, Uno, Scrabble, and watching a surprise movie. Dinner will be provided!
For more information & future dates please visit http://calendar.yahoo.com/cityproject or call Brigitte Tolson at 323.962.8197 x.305
*********************************************
7. Jewish LGBTQQ Youth Speakers Needed (North Bay)
Jewish LGBTQQ teen speakers needed for panels in Santa Rosa and Marin. Speak to other Jewish youth. Training and transportation available if needed.
March 20th, 6 PM in Marin
April 10th, 6 PM in Santa Rosa
April 27th, 1 PM in Santa Rosa
Call Margaret at Jewish Family and Children's Services if you are interested:
Name Removed
Outreach Coordinator/ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Programming
2150 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 449-1228
*********************************************
8. New LGBTQQ Youth Recreational Group (Bay Area)
Greetings:
My name is Adam Marc Benditsky and I am Mayor Willie L. Brown's Liaison to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community in San Francisco.
I am currently developing a community-based program called Adventure Out. The program's goal is to provide LGBT youth with active, exciting, recreational and creative opportunities at minimal cost in order to establish an atmosphere of caring and trust between Queer youth and the overall community as well as to broaden the possibilities for social interaction available to LGBT young people. Outings may include indoor rock climbing at Mission Cliffs, slam poetry, swimming, interactive sketch comedy groups, basketball, talent shows, dodge ball at the YMCA, a police-style "survivor" obstacle course, possible weekend camping trips and much more.
I am currently scheduling the first planning meeting for the Adventure Out Program and encourage all GSA leaders to attend in order to give their input and help shape the Adventure Out program. This initial planning meeting is intended to be small and only open to GSA leaders. If you have any questions or to RSVP please contact me via phone at 415-554-6148 or on email at mailto:adam.benditsky@sfgov.org.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Adam Marc Benditsky
*********************************************
9. Poetry Contest (Sonoma County)
PETALUMA HIGH SCHOOL GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
invites Sonoma County students to send us your poems on the theme of
TOLERANCE
First Prize: $75.00
Second Prize $50.00
Third Prize $25.00
10 honorable mentions
All entries will be considered for a reading at Copperfield's Books and Healdsburg City Hall.
Other locations of readings will be announced.
Guidelines
- To enter, you must be a student in Sonoma County, or between 14-22
years of age.
- Send up to three poems, any length or style.
- Include two copies of each poem: one with your name, address, and
telephone number, the other without this information.
- Poems must be typed, 12 pt. font, single spaced. No more than one
poem on a page.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so we can get back to
you.
Send your entries to
Petaluma High School Gay-Straight Alliance
c/o Mr. Troth
201 Fair Street
Petaluma, California 94952-2594
Deadline: March 21, 20003
*********************************************
10. Black History Month Resource Kit
Black History Month Resource Kit
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), in partnership with several lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations around the country, released the 2003 edition of its Black History Month Resource Kit, a comprehensive online reference designed to encourage inclusive coverage of LGBT people of color. The complete kit is available at http://www.glaad.org/publications/resource_doc_detail.php?id=3048
*********************************************
11. Planning Call for Youth-Led Anti-Racism Gathering
Interested in a youth gathering around anti-racism that is created and led by youth?
Interested in sharing experiences around racism and strengthening your critical analysis through the ARTS?
We need YOU to help plan it!!
MOVEMENT BEYOND BORDERS: US Communities Building a Racial Justice Vision in the Post 9/11 Era
On May 1st-4th, 2003 a gathering of Indigenous peoples, immigrant and refugee communities, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Arabs, Middle Easterners, Muslims, South Asian communities, low income and working people, and their allies will take place at the University of DC to assess the state of the racial justice movement and strategize a way forward! There is an opportunity for youth to organize and have a youth summit as part of this larger gathering. The time is NOW!
YOUR SUPPORT is needed!!!
Mega Call Planned for Tuesday, January 28th, 2003; 4pm EST
1-800-821-1449
scholarships available to attend!!!
For more information: Contact Alejandra Tobar at 651.641.4465, mailto:rej@forusa.org
*Organized by the planning committee of people of color, grassroots, and human rights groups who participated in the World Conference Against Racism 2001 in South Africa.
*********************************************
12. Nominees Sought for API Community Awards
Nominees Sought by February 18 for Asian and Pacific Islander Community Awards
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (A&PIWC) seeks nominees for its annual awards program, which honors individuals and organizations that support the agency's work in educating, supporting, empowering, and advocating for Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities.
Nominations are sought by February 18 for three awards. The application
form is
available online at http://apiwellness.org/v20/atim_03/a_tues_nom_form.pdf
or from Herna Cruz at 415.292.3420 X370, mailto:herna@apiwellness.org.
The Grassroots Award is given to an unsung Asian or Pacific Islander individual or organization that has worked locally on behalf of A&PIs. Past recipients include Connie Amarthithada, a transgender community leader who is Laotian and living with HIV; Edward Cheng Ming Tang, the founder of A&PIWC's Pride Scholarships, which are awarded to queer A&PI youth; and the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), co- founder of A&PIWC and a volunteer effort to mobilize queer A&PI men.
The Ally Award is presented to any individual or organization that has demonstrated compassion and commitment in serving A&PI communities. Past recipients include the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies at the University of California, San Francisco, and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
The National Award honors an individual or organization whose contribution has brought national visibility to HIV/AIDS issues in A&PI communities. Past recipients include life partners Helen Zia, author, and Lia Shigemura, co-founder of the Asian Women's Shelter, and Al and Jane Nakatani, founders of Honor Thy Children. Award recipients will be announced at a celebration and fundraiser held Tuesday evening, May 6 at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
For More Information Contact
Esme Marconi, CFRE
A&PI Wellness Center
415.292.3420 X341
mailto:esme@apiwellness.org
*********************************************
13. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute
Staff applications for NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute are now available! See information about the program below, and contact Traci Lato at 415.561.2283 or mailto:tlato@nccj.org for more information and an application!
Applications are due by February 21st at the absolute latest, but please submit as soon as possible!
What is NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute?
NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute is an intensive human relations,
diversity, anti-oppression and leadership skill building experience for
high school-aged youth. The week-long residential program brings
together young people from diverse backgrounds to explore their multifaceted
identities, confront their own prejudices, learn how to recognize and counter
bias, gain advocacy skills, and acquire tools to become proactive leaders
for social justice. Anytown provides a unique opportunity and a safe
environment for youth to explore their own identities and biases and learn
the value of creating an inclusive society.
What is NCCJ?
The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in
1927 and formerly known as The National Conference of Christians and Jews,
is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and
racism. NCCJ promotes respect and understanding among all people
regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic
class, age or ability status through advocacy, conflict resolution and
education. NCCJ Northern California programs include: the Annual
High School Press Awards Essay Contest, anti-oppression trainings, educator
trainings, facilitator trainings, Walk As One Walk-a-thon, and NCCJ's Anytown
Youth Leadership Institute.
When will this year's Anytown take place?
Two mandatory staff training weekends will take place prior to the
Institute. Dates are May 16-18, July 11-13, and the Institute will
take place August 2-9.
Is NCCJ's Anytown like other summer camps?
No. NCCJ's Anytown is more of a personal growth experience than
a traditional summer camp. Activities include interactive exercises,
discussion groups, role playing, learning activities and presentations
on human relations issues such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination,
oppression, ethnic and racial identity, gender issues, sexual orientation,
communication, family issues and more. While there is some free time
each day (with traditional camp activities such as basketball, games and
campfires), most of the time at Anytown is spent exploring the issues in
various large and small discussion and activity groups.
*********************************************
14. NEWS: ACLU Files GSA Discrimination Lawsuits
ACLU Files Lawsuits Against Schools in KY and TX for Discrimination Against Gay-Straight Alliances
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2003
Contacts:
Paul Cates - mailto:pcates@aclu.org,
212-549-2568
Chris Hampton - mailto:champton@aclu.org,
212-549-2673
NEW YORK-- The American Civil Liberties Union today filed separate federal
lawsuits against school officials in Kentucky and Texas challenging efforts
to
block students who sought to form Gay-Straight Alliances in their high
schools.
"With these lawsuits we hope to put school officials on notice that we will no longer tolerate their dirty tactics and bureaucratic excuses to keep students from forming Gay-Straight Alliances," said James Esseks, Litigation Director for the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "As theses two cases so clearly show, there is a tremendous need for students to have a club where they can discuss how to deal with the anti-gay harassment they face."
The ACLU charges that both schools violated students' rights under the
federal Equal Access Act and the First Amendment. The lawsuits seek to
enjoin the schools from further discriminating against the students by
permitting the GSAs, as they are called, to meet. Hearings on the motions
in both cases are expected
to take place within a few weeks.
The Kentucky case involves Boyd County High School in Ashland, a rural coal mining community in the Northeastern part of the state.
Last December, the Boyd County Board of Education took the extraordinary step of suspending all clubs in all schools K-12 in an effort to prevent a group of approximately 30 students from forming a GSA in Boyd County High School. The students initially petitioned the school to form the GSA in March 2002, after two former students were kicked out of their homes for being gay. The school's Site Based Decision Making Council reluctantly approved the GSA this past October after the ACLU sent a letter explaining the students' rights under the federal Equal Access Act. Bowing to opposition from local ministers, the Board of Education then reversed the council's decision and suspended all clubs.
The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky on behalf of potential GSA members charges that school officials have permitted many clubs, including the Beta Club, drama club, student council, cheerleading and sports teams, to continue to meet since the school board's decision to suspend all clubs. Permitting some clubs to meet while not allowing the GSA is a clear violation of the Equal Access Act. In addition to claims under federal law, the lawsuit charges that the Board of Education violated the Kentucky Education Reform Act.
"School officials in Boyd County deserve an F for the dishonest and
bigoted tactics they've taken to keep a group of students from talking
about tolerance
and acceptance," said Jeff Vessels, Executive Director of the ACLU
of Kentucky. "It's shameful that the students have had to be the responsible
ones and teach
the educators about freedom and equality."
The Texas case involves Klein High School in the town of Klein, an affluent
suburb of Houston. After students at the high school submitted their application
to form a GSA this past September, school officials immediately changed
the requirements for student clubs. The students resubmitted their application
following the new rules. With the school year more than half over, the
students have still not been notified by the school if they can meet.
A complaint charging violations of the federal Equal Access Act and the First Amendment was filed today in the United States District Court of Southern District of Texas.
"Officials at Klein High School have been sitting on the students' application
far too long," said David George, an ACLU cooperating attorney with the
firm
of Edwards & George, LLP. "It's time for the school to follow the
law or face the consequences in court."
While the federal Equal Access Act makes it clear that students must be allowed to form GSAs if the school permits other non-curricular clubs, in the past year the ACLU has repeatedly heard from students who have encountered resistance from their school administrators. The excuses used to discriminate against GSAs range from simply failing to respond to student requests to requiring special rules such as parental notification to banning all clubs.
"These baseless excuses to avoid the law just hurt the students who
are already struggling to find acceptance in a hostile environment," said
Tamara Lange, a
staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. "Through
our litigation, we hope educators will come to understand that GSAs make
schools safer for all students."
In the Boyd County case, the GSA is represented by Tamara Lange and ACLU cooperating attorneys Ed Dove and David Friedman of Kentucky. In Houston, Ken Choe, a staff attorney with the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, is aided by David George.
The ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project is spearheading efforts to help schools address homophobia before it escalates, with a campaign called Every Student, Every School. For more information, go to http://archive.aclu.org/issues/gay/safe_schools.html.
###
American Civil Liberties Union
Lesbian & Gay Rights and AIDS Projects
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 549-2627
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRightsMain.cfm
*********************************************
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed in the "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
GSA Network Highlight
School Safety & Violence Prevention for LGBT Students: Legal
Q&A Guides for School Administrators
GSA Network Announcements
1. Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)
Other Announcements
2. Peer Educator Training (Bay Area)
3. HIFY's Weekend for Young Women (Bay Area)
4. Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute (Bay Area)
5. Multi-Media Event (SF)
6. Asian American Zine Seeking Submissions
7. Peninsula PFLAG/South Bay GLSEN Scholarship Program
8. Peninsula PFLAG Community College Scholarship Application
9. Social Change Mini-Grants for Youth Ages 18-24
10. Funding Available for Youth Who Have Been Targeted for Their
Activism
11. New Film Profiles Bayard Rustin
12. NEWS: Controversy over The Laramie Project in Monterey
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
School Safety & Violence Prevention for LGBT Students: Legal Q&A Guides for School Administrators
The California Safe Schools Coalition developed two Question and Answer guides for school district officials and administrators regarding: (1) the law that protects students from harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender and (2) the statutes regarding parental permission and notification for education on certain topics related to tolerance and diversity. These guides are being sent to every county and district superintendent in California along with a letter from Senator Sheila Kuehl, the author of the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 (AB 537), which protects students from harassment and discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
These guides can be used by GSAs and other local organizers or advocates to help understand and explain school districts' responsibilities in implementing the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 and educating students about preventing harassment and discrimination.
Read and download the legal Q&A guides and Senator Kuehl's letter
at:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/legalFAQs.html
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)
The seventh annual Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY) Conference is coming soon!
*** Saturday, February 15, 2003
*** 9:00am - 5:00pm
*** Horace Mann Middle School
3351 23rd St., San Francisco
OHMY is a FREE, youth-led conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth dedicated to fostering safe schools and youth activism. The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adult allies and teachers are welcome!
To register for OHMY, go to http://www.gsanetwork.org/ohmy.
If you're interested in volunteering at OHMY, contact Emilie at 415-552-4229 or mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org.
OHMY is sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC with support provided by the San Francisco Public Library and Genentech Out & Equal.
Questions? E-mail mailto:ohmy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229 and ask for Emilie.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
2. Peer Educator Training (Bay Area)
Calling All Anti-Homophobia Activists!
Learn how to combat homophobia and sexism by becoming a trained Anti-Homophobia peer educator with the YWCA's Outlet Program. Peer educators will be teaching in social service agencies and schools along the Peninsula. If you're wanting to improve your community, then join our team and make a difference!
Here's how:
1. Request an application from Juan Barajas at mailto:juan@ywcamid.org
and turn it in by Thursday, January 30th.
2. Attend the day-long training on Saturday, February 1st from 10am-4pm
at the YWCA in Palo Alto.
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula
Outlet Program
4161 Alma St.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: (650) 494-0972 ext. 301
*********************************************
3. HIFY's Weekend for Young Women (Bay Area)
HIFY's Weekend for Young Women
March 7-9 2003 @ Slide Ranch in Marin
FREE!
Are You...
* A Young Women 14-16 years old
* Interested in Creating Change
* Want to connect with other Bay Area Young Women
If you are all that... we want you to come to our Young Women's Weekend!!!
What are we Going to Do?
* Talk About: Communication, building community, sexuality and healthy
relationships, taking care of your self and your body, oppression and how
it effects young women
* Play Games
* Make Art
* Cook and Eat Good Food
* Chill by the camp fire
* Hike
* Hang at the Beach
* HAVE FUN!!
A Little Bit More infoÄ.
We will sleep outside in tents and use a covered structure for cooking,
eating,and food storage. The camp site is rustic, with an outhouse
and no electricity. We will also be able to explore the organic garden,
miles of wilderness trails, and the beach area. To look at pictures of
slide ranch, and see where the weekend will be visit: http://www.slideranch.org.
If this sounds like an experience that you or someone you know would like to be a part of, please fill out the following application and return it by Wednesday,FEBRUARY 5, 2003 to:
Young Women's Weekend Application - Due by February 5, 2003.
For questions, please call: Amanda, (415)274-1970, x20, or email: mailto:salzman@hify.org
Please mail or fax to: Camp c/o HIFY
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94104
Fax #415-274-1976
or email it to: mailto:salzman@hify.org
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Address: (street, city, zip)
email:
phone #:
4. Ethnicity:
5. What is one thing that you think we should know about you?
6. Have you ever been to a camp or retreat before? What was your
experience like?
7. Why do you want to come to Young Women's Weekend?
8. What would your presence add to the group?
9. Please check three subjects you would most like to talk about:
* Building community - creating strong, healthy relationships between
young women
* Communication -identifying and expressing your needs
* Sexuality and healthy relationships
* Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally
* Oppression & its effects on young women (sexism, racism, classism,
adultism, homophobia, etc.)
* Setting emotional & physical boundaries
* Self love- accepting your body, celebrating yourself
* Spirituality - exploring & expressing
* Where you're from- culture, family, and traditions
10. What is an issue or two in your community that you would like to
talk about during the Young Women's Weekend? (it could be police
brutality, homophobia, not having places to hang out, nasty food at school,
whateva')?
11. What do you do for fun?
12. Part of the camp is going to involve sleeping outside in tents,
as well as physical activity such as hiking, and helping with cooking and
cleaning up after meals. Are you cool with that?
13. Do you have any food allergies or other special needs? Please
explain. (This event is not wheelchair accessible)
14. How did you find out about this?
15. Parental/ Guardian Permission
This is not a permission slip. If your application is accepted for
Young Women's Weekend you and your family will be sent one. Signing below
means that your folks know that you're applying.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Name:
Date:
Daytime Phone Number:
Due by February 5, 2003.
*********************************************
4. Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute (Bay Area)
Women's Institute for Leadership Development (WILD for Human Rights) presents:
The 2003 Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute
for young women ages 17-23
Nine Sessions March 15-June 21 - Applications due Feb 24!
(Call the office for an application)
The Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute is a series of nine sessions
(workshops and field trips) that take place almost every other Saturday
starting March 15-June 21. The purpose is to bring together 12 young women
from the Bay Area to sharpen their leadership, build with each other and
get in-depth about human rights issues that affect them:
* Practice leadership: planning, decision-making, facilitation
* Take Action: In the streets, at the state capitol
* Gain Knowledge about the world and human rights: the war, poverty,
immigration
* Meet revolutionary women
* Connect your life struggles: across neighborhood, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, ability and immigration status
This is not a lecture-style, school type of environment. Trainings are interactive, supportive, challenging, safe and fun. You will be a teacher as well as a student.
Who is it for?
Bay Area young women ages 17-23 who are strongly interested or already
involved in making social change in their communities. African American,
Arab, Latina, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander, young mothers, low-income,
immigrant women, transgender and queer women are strongly encouraged to
apply.
What's the schedule?
*You must be able to commit to ALL the following dates to participate.
Saturday, 3/15 11am-3pm Human Rights 101
Saturday, 3/29 11am-3pm Connecting Struggles
Saturday, 4/12 11am-3pm Different Social Change Methods
Sunday, 4/20 11am-3pm FIELD TRIP Anti-war protest
Saturday, 4/26 11am-3pm How to Confront Power at the State Level
Thursday, 5/15 ALL DAY FIELD TRIP to State Capitol (Advocacy Day)
Saturday, 5/24 11am-3pm Self-determination in U.S. Communities of Color
Saturday, 6/7 11am-3pm Looking at the World from Inside the Belly
of the Beast
Saturday, 6/21 11am-3pm Panel of Revolutionary Women
Where is it?
The Women's Building 3543 18th St. (btwn Valencia & Guerrero),
Room A, Mission District, SF. Wheelchair accessible.
What else do I get?
* A $100 stipend if you attend each session (Deduction for lateness
and absences)
* On-site Childcare
* Scholarships for transportation costs
When is the application due?
Monday, February 24 by 5 p.m.
Where can I get an application?
Call the office and we'll get you one.
How do I turn it in?
You can fax it, mail it or turn it in to our office.
1375 Sutter Street #407 (btwn Franklin & Van Ness), SF phone (415)345.1195
x405
fax (415) 345.1199.
When will I find out if I am accepted?
We will notify you the week of March 3, 2003.
What if I have other questions?
Call Tina Bartolome at (415)345.1195 x405.
Why is it named after Yuri Kochiyama?
"Yuri Kochiyama has been a racial justice and human rights activist
for more than four decades. She and her family were interned in 1942 with
more than 120,000 other Japanese Americans during World War II. A close
friend of Malcolm X, Kochiyama became politically active in the 1960s,
while living in Harlem with her husband and six children. She has spent
much of her life working across racial lines to build multiracial support
for the end of South African apartheid and the war in Vietnam, and for
redress for Japanese Americans, Puerto Rican independence and Cuban solidarity.
At 77 living in Oakland, her commitment to change the world remains strong
and her passion for justice is contagious." -excerpt from Interview with
Yuri Kochiyama by Josina Morita, War Times Newspaper 2002
What is WILD for Human Rights?
WILD for Human Rights is an organization which promotes a human rights
vision in the U.S. throught the conscious leadership and action of women
and girls.
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5. Multi-Media Event (SF)
Big Stuff: Nice -- Don't Cut It
Curated by Marcus Rene Van.
Saturday January 25, 8 pm
By melding the brilliant creations from some of the Bay's exceptional talent, Marcus Rene Van has created a contradictory sampling dance, hip-hop and spoken word multi-media special event.
Featuring: Exodus, Mamaz, JB Rap of DDC, Amron, Akua, and HeartRhythms.
$7-$12 sliding scale.
Jon Sims Center, 1519 Mission between 11th and South Van Ness, 2nd floor.
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6. Asian American Zine Seeking Submissions
Life Can Fly Beyond Black and White: a D.I.Y. publication that shares voices in the languages of Asian American is announcing a call for submissions of artwork and writings.
Life Can Fly Beyond Black and White: a DIY publication that shares voices in the languages of Asian American is a 'zine that Anuradha Joshi and Jennifer H. Lin are co-editing and producing with the intent to share Asian (including Central and South Asian) American voices, which are disproportionately underrepresented in the public. We encourage you to send us your writing or artwork. To do so or to find out more about the 'zine, please e-mail mailto:lcfbbwzine@hotmail.com. The only guidelines are to use your Asian American voice, however that is or can be defined, identified, or expressed. The deadline is April 12, 2003.
Note: We use the term "Asian American" to refer to ALL people with Asian ancestry, be it from Iran, Nepal, Tibet, or Malaysia. Though all Asian Americans are underrepresented in the American public, we understand that there are a number of ethnicities and nationalities that are more so deficient in representation. Some of the most underrepresented ethnicities and nationalities, in no specific order, are Iranian/Persian, Turkish, Israeli, Lebanese, Nepalese, Pakistani, Egypt, Bangladesh, Arabic, Afghanistan, Filipino, Tibetan, Singaporean, Malaysian, Mongolian, Indonesian, Hmong, Cambodian/Khmer, Indian, and Filipino. We encourage you to submit writing or art, especially if your voice seems invisible in American society.
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7. Peninsula PFLAG/South Bay GLSEN Scholarship Program
PENINSULA PFLAG & PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY GLSEN are pleased to announce their combined scholarship program for 2003.
PENINSULA PFLAG will be offering five (5) $1500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors, one of the five made possible by Dick Duncan for a graduate who will be attending San Jose State University, and another, through a donation from Jean Hohman and Joanne Winetzki in memory of Gwen Araujo. PFLAG is also offering a $1500 scholarship to a community college student who will be transferring to a college, university, business or technical school in 2003. PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY GLSEN is offering one (1) $1500 Joyce Palmer Fulton Memorial scholarship to a graduating high school senior.
High school applicants must be a senior at a public or private school in San Mateo or Santa Clara county who is planning to attend, full or part-time an accredited two or four year college/university/business/technical school in Fall 2003. Candidates must be in good academic standing with their current high school and must have demonstrated support for justice and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in their community. Applicants will need to provide a copy of their high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay which describes how they have supported justice and equality for GLBT persons. The essay should include a brief description of their educational and career plans plus any other factors they would like the Scholarship Committee to consider.
Scholarship winners will need to provide a college/school acceptance letter prior to receipt of the scholarship and be present at a PENINSULA PFLAG & GLSEN/SB awards event Tuesday evening, April 29, 2003. Payment of the scholarship will be made after receipt of evidence of college/school enrollment.
Applicants for the PENINSULA PFLAG Community College scholarship (see application below) must be at least a second year student at a community college in San Mateo or Santa Clara county, have a GPA of 2.4 or better, and plan to transfer to an accredited college, university, or business/technical school full or part-time in 2003. Applicants are required to provide a copy of their college transcript, a copy of their college/business/technical school acceptance, two letters of recommendation, a personal essay demonstrating how they have supported justice and equality for GLBT persons in their community, and a brief description of their educational and career plans including any additional factors they would like the Scholarship Committee to consider. The winner must be present to accept the scholarship at a PENINSULA PFLAG & GLSEN/SB awards event Tuesday evening, April 29, 2003. Payment of the scholarship will be made after receipt of evidence of college/school enrollment.
Applications and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 31, 2003 and mailed to PFLAG & GLSEN Scholarships, 690 Persian Dr., #57, Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
PENINSULA PFLAG and GLSEN/SB Joyce Palmer Fulton Memorial scholarships are given to individuals whose educational histories, personal plans and activities demonstrate support for justice and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.
PENINSULA PFLAG high school and community college scholarships are made possible through donations from Baylands FrontRunners, IRLM (The International Royal Lion Monarchy), individuals, and through the sale of PFLAG pins and mugs. GLSEN/SB Joyce Palmer Fulton Memorial scholarships are made possible by donations from PENINSULA/SB GLSEN members.
For further information, contact, Bob Obrey, 408-745-1736 or Wanda Steffens, 650-726-6902, or write PFLAG & GLSEN Scholarships, 690 Persian Dr., #57, Sunnyvale, CA 9489.
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8. Peninsula PFLAG Community College Scholarship Application
Before filling out this application, please read the eligibility requirements to determine if you are qualified to receive this scholarship. The completed application along supporting documents must be posted by Monday, March 31, 2003.
*Please paste into a Word document and print clearly or type.*
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
ZIP:
Tel# (Preferred # to contact you)
Day:
Evening:
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
EDUCATIONAL DATA
Community College Name and Address:
Scholarships, Honors, Recognitions:
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES
Please indicate those activities which have been of highest importance
to you, not necessarily every activity you have undertaken; indicate any
leader-ship positions you may have had.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Employer's Name Job Description Dates of & City & Title Employment:
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
List at least two people (teacher/professor, counselor, pastor/rabbi,
work supervisor, etc) who have provided letters of recommendation for you.
Indicate their titles and telephone numbers. Please advise them a member
of the GLSEN & PFLAG Scholarship committee may contact them.
PERSONAL ESSAY
In about two pages, discuss how you have supported justice and equality
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in your community.
Include
a brief description of your educational and career plans. This essay
will be confidential unless we have personally checked with you.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
*If you wish, in one page, also let us know of any particular needs
or other factors you wish us to consider. This too will remain confidential
unless we have checked with you.
*How did you learn of this scholarship?
*If you are awarded this scholarship, may we use your name in a news
article?
*If you are chosen as the scholarship winner, there may be a short
personal interview with the Scholarship committee. Winners will be notified
by telephone or in writing.
CERTIFICATION
To the best of my knowledge, the information provided in this application
is true and complete.
Signature:
Date:
Applications and supporting materials should be postmarked no later than Monday March 31, 2003 and mailed to PFLAG & GLSEN Scholarships, 690 Persian Dr., #57, Sunnyvale, CA 9489.
The PENINSULA PFLAG Community College scholarship will be given to an individual whose educational history, personal plans and activities demonstrate support for justice and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.
PENINSULA PFLAG high school and community college scholarships are made possible through the donations from Baylands FrontRunners, IRLM (The International Royal Lion Monarchy,) individual and through the sale of PFLAG pins and mugs.
For questions or information, contact Bob Obrey, 408-745-1736 or write
PFLAG
& GLSEN Scholarships, 690 Persian Dr., #57, Sunnyvale, CA 9489.
*********************************************
9. Social Change Mini-Grants for Youth Ages 18-24
SOCIAL CHANGE MINI-GRANTS OFFERED TO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 24
A program of the International Youth Foundation, YouthActionNet, provides small grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities. Youth-led projects supported by YouthActionNet will have clearly defined goals and have potential for growth or further replication. Award recipients will receive a $500 grant and funds for a disposable camera to photo-document their project for an online photo gallery. Award recipients will also have the opportunity to take part in an online journal and contribute to a booklet of case studies highlighting the work of young people bringing positive change to their communities around the world. The program is open to all young people ages 18 to 24.
Both individuals and groups may apply. Individuals applying must have a leadership role in a youth-led initiative that works to create positive change in their community. Groups and organizations applying must be youth-led and have as part of their mission the goal of creating positive change in their community. In 2003, ten recipients will be selected in each of two rounds of awards.
Complete program guidelines and application forms are available at the YouthActionNet website: http://www.youthactionnet.org.
The deadline is October 1, 2003.
*********************************************
10. Funding Available for Youth Who Have Been Targeted for Their
Activism
Counseling And Tuition Dollars For Activist Youth: Funding for those
who
have been targeted for their activism
Sometimes youths who are involved in GSA's or are otherwise engaged in activism end up getting targeted for it.
The Rosenberg Fund for Children foundation will pay up to $3,000 a year for things such as counseling and tuition for activist youth who get targeted for their activism (and various other grants to them as well).
For more information visit http://www.rfc.org/basicinformation.htm (see "regular granting").
*********************************************
11. New Film Profiles Bayard Rustin
NEW FILM PROFILES UNKNOWN GAY HERO OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Bayard Rustin -- disciple of Gandhi, mentor to Martin Luther King Jr.,
and
architect of the momentous 1963 March on Washington -- is the subject
of a
new 90-minute which aired January 20th on PBS. An official selection
in the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD
RUSTIN also documents the extraordinarily steep price that Rustin paid
for daring to live as an openly gay man during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
To purchase the video for your school or library, contact California Newsreel at 1.877.811.7495 or visit http://www.newsreel.org.
For teaching materials, historical background, and extensive material on Rustin's life and work, visit http://www.pbs.org/pov/brotheroutsider
BROTHER OUTSIDER was produced and directed by Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer; Sam Pollard, executive producer. A P.O.V. premiere on PBS; co-presented by the Independent Television Service and National Black Programming Consortium.
*********************************************
12. NEWS: Controversy over The Laramie Project in Monterey
Monterey County Herald
January 19, 2003
http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/local/4984108.htm
Controversial play concerns some parents
By Alex Friedrich, afriedrich@montereyherald.com
As schools across America perform the play "The Laramie Project" to teach tolerance, some Carmel High School parents are saying it doesn't belong in their children's classrooms.
The explicit work, which deals with the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, might be inappropriate for study at Carmel High, they say. Teachers are hoping to introduce the script into classes next semester. No one has publicly opposed the subject matter, but many aren't sure the text deserves classroom study.
"I don't see the need," said John Meyer, a Carmel Valley computer consultant. "I am not aware of any problem at Carmel High School of a racial nature or a homophobic nature."
Some parents have persuaded the school board to review the play and the tolerance program it's part of. If trustees don't approve the curriculum, Carmel High could drop the text - or the entire program. A decision could come at a board meeting late next month.
"Some believe the issue of homophobia would be better served in the families than in the schools," Principal Karl Pallastrini said.
The play, which debuted in 2000 and became an HBO movie last year, focuses on the effect of Shepard's murder on the small city of Laramie, Wyo.
On Oct. 6, 1998, Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student, met two young Laramie men in a local bar. They beat him unconscious, tied him to a fence on a rural road and left him for dead in near-freezing temperatures. He never regained consciousness and died five days later.
Parental concern
In Carmel, parental concern over the play has been expressed in 15 or so e-mails to Pallastrini. Some expressed concern over classroom discussions of homophobia and homosexuality, he said.
Parents learned about the project when teachers asked for a $2,000 grant from the booster club.
Some aren't sure they want to fund such a controversial project.
Booster member Jeanne Hale said the play is "very explicit" with "a lot of foul language." Teachers aren't criticizing parents or school authorities, who they say have supported their programs over the years.
The play doesn't advocate or even dwell on Shepard's sexual orientation,
they
say, but focuses on the effect his death had on the community.
And study of
the play, they say, would take up only a fraction of class time.
"I hope parents read the text," said Therese Strutner, a 45-year-old history teacher who helped start the tolerance project.
The play has been scheduled for performance at more than 400 high schools and colleges across the nation this school year, according to press reports. Teaching guides and related material are available, but it's unclear how many teachers are using it in the classroom.
When Carmel High teachers discussed programs for tolerance and character building with a school accreditation team two years ago, they thought local students could learn from the Shepard case.
After all, many students on campus still use the term "gay" for anything they dislike.
"I can't walk down the hall without hearing 'fag' five times a day," said Carly Costanza, co-president of the school's Gay-Straight Alliance, which was formed this school year.
"People don't realize what they do is intolerant... and that (such words) can be hurtful to others," said Carly Dahl, the other co-president.
Effect of intolerance
Intolerance of homosexuality or transgender people has assumed deadly proportions in other schools. Last fall, just as students at Alameda County's Newark Memorial High School were preparing to perform "The Laramie Project," transgender teen Eddie "Gwen" Araujo was strangled and beaten to death. Four former Newark Memorial students had attacked him at a party Oct. 3 after partygoers learned "Gwen" was male.
Similar killings of transgender youths occurred in 1999 in San Jose,
when 19-year-old Alina Marie Barragan, a biological male who dressed as
a
woman, was murdered, and last year in Cortez, Colo. The most
famous was the
story of Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old Nebraska woman slain because
she identified herself as a man. That story became the movie "Boys Don't
Cry,"
for which Hilary Swank won an Oscar.
Cases such as those have helped prompt programs like Carmel High's Tenth Grade Tolerance Project. It began this year, and its activities include a reading and viewing of "The Laramie Project."
In it, sophomores examine intolerance in history and modern society through activities in English and history classes. So far, they have studied historical cases of intolerance, and have made a "personal integrity" Web page focusing on figures who fought intolerance. This spring, they'll visit the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles.
By the end of the year, students will have spent 22 classroom hours during the school year on tolerance material - a small portion of it discussing the play.
Subject for English class
"The Laramie Project" was supposed to be the subject in this spring's English class, when students studied the impact of intolerance on communities. They were to read the 112-page text and discuss it, and watch the HBO movie on the bus ride back from the Tolerance Center.
In history class, meanwhile, students were to analyze the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
"World history is so abstract when you're 15 years old," said history
teacher Strutner. Reading a text about a recent event "makes so much
more
of an impact."
The play isn't completely new to the school. Last year one history teacher gave students extra credit for attending a professional performance of the play in Carmel Valley.
"It was really sad, because it showed you how people who aren't used to seeing homosexuality... overreact with violence," said Brittany Downing, a 17-year-old senior who attended a showing.
Use of class time
Extra credit is fine, some parents say. But taking class time for the play is another.
Meyer, 50, the computer consultant, said teaching values is the work of parents - not the school. Class time should instead be used for traditional subjects, he said.
The problem, he said, lies with the media.
"We take isolated incidents... like something that happened in Laramie and (Newark) and the dragging death (of Texas resident James Byrd in 1998) and use a broad brush to say that everybody is racist or homophobic," he said. "We aren't. I don't think we need to overreact and take away from the curriculum."
Booster President Tyerin Dennis said teachers "were asking for quite a bit of money for something that was controversial and not approved by our board. It didn't seem like a wise expenditure."
She said she has no problem with the play. And if the board endorses
the project, the club will consider the funding request.
So far, the trustees haven't indicated what they'll decide when they discuss the topic at a meeting sometime next month. District board President Amy Funt said she hasn't read or seen the whole play, so she declined to comment.
Gay-Straight Alliance leaders Costanza and Dahl, who plan to attend the meeting, hope Funt and the other trustees endorse tolerance training.
"It is something that should be taught at home, but unfortunately it
is not," she said. "If it were, I wouldn't walk down the hall every
day and
hear people call each other 'fag.'"
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Transgender Panel (Marin)
Other Announcements
2. COLAGE Media and Public Speaking Training (SF)
3. Young Women's Health Conference (SF)
4. Adults Needed for Queer Youth Mentor Program (Bay Area)
5. Submissions Sought for NY Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (NYC)
6. Anti-War Rally and March (SF)
7. Youth and Militarism website
8. NCCJ's High School Press Awards Essay Contest
9. COLAGE Internship Announcement (SF)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY)!
The seventh annual Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY) Conference is coming soon!
*** Saturday, February 15, 2003
*** 9:00am - 5:00pm
*** Horace Mann Middle School
3351 23rd
St., San Francisco
OHMY is a FREE, youth-led conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth dedicated to fostering safe schools and youth activism. The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adult allies and teachers are welcome!
To register for OHMY, go to http://www.gsanetwork.org/ohmy.
If you're interested in volunteering at OHMY, contact Emilie at 415-552-4229 or mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org.
OHMY is sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC with support provided by the San Francisco Public Library and Genentech Out & Equal.
Questions? E-mail mailto:ohmy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229 and ask for Emilie.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Transgender Panel (Marin)
What does transgender mean?
Is there a transgender community in Marin?
What are the legal issues for transgender people?
How do I know if I'm transgender?
How can we prevent hate crimes against transgender people?
Come to a PANEL, Q&A, and PIZZA PARTY
Tuesday, February 11th, 6:30-8:30pm
at the Spectrum Center for LGBT Concerns (1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.,
Suite #10, San Anselmo, 94960)
Guest panelists include:
Ellen and Tracy, transgender Marinites
Dylan Vade, Transgender Law Project
xxxxxxx, Youth Gender Project
and more!
FREE
All Bay Area GSA members and allies are invited to attend.
RSVP to Cristin (415-457-1115 x203 or mailto:CBrew@spectrummarin.org
for free pizza)
Co-Sponsored by Spectrum and GSA Network
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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2. COLAGE Media and Public Speaking Training (SF)
COLAGE SPEAK OUT!
Media and Public Speaking Training
for youth ages 14-22 with LGBT parents and our allies
Sunday, January 26th * 12:30 - 5:30 PM
How does the media affect youth with LGBT parents? How can we use forms of media to raise awareness about our families? How can you use YOUR voice to raise awareness? JOIN THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND ACTION PROGRAM AND FIND OUT!
We will be looking at the past, present, and future of how the media portrays our experiences and our families, preparing to speak out on panels and in the media, and lots more. This training is FREE! In addition to meeting new people, and gaining skills we will be doing actual on-camera practice for making our voices heard!
tentative location:
Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club, 450 Guerrero Street, San Francisco
This training is part of the COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program-
a training and activism program for high school and college aged youth
with LGBT parents. Connect with your peers through monthly meetings and
action projects
(and earn a $200 stipend!)
For more information, contact Meredith at COLAGE - 415-861-5437, ext. 102 or mailto:meredith@colage.org
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3. Young Women's Health Conference (SF)
Be Strong, Be Heard, Be You!
3rd Annual Young Women's Health Conference
February 26, 2003
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco
Join 1,000 other young women from high schools throughout San Francisco Unified School District, Jefferson Union High School District and South San Francisco Unified School District for an exciting day that lets you BE STRONG, BE HEARD, and BE YOU about your needs in order to make better informed decisions throughout your lives.
Get resources on improving your health and well-being! Hear inspiring stories from dynamic women who have overcome obstacles to succeed! Participate in workshops and have intimate discussions with professionals who deal with issues such as teen pregnancy, sexuality, domestic violence, self-defense, eating disorders, depression, reproductive health, career options, and much more! Visit an exhibit hall where over 50 Bay Area youth organizations are available to answer questions and give out information!
This day is for you to learn that the choices you make now are important and that there is support for you!
For more information or to register, contact the Teacher Representative at your school or check out our website http://www.ywhconline.org
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4. Adult Participants Needed for Queer Youth Mentor Program (Bay
Area)
Is the political/social/economic climate wearing you down? Feeling
frustrated and helpless to do any good in the world? How about taking
one
small step to help make this place a little brighter? Become
a queer youth mentor. Show a teen first hand how queer people can
lead wonderful, happy,
successful, fulfilling lives. Show them that adults do care!
HOW? Through the Outlet Queer Youth Mentor Program at the YWCA
of the Mid-Peninsula. By committing a few hours a week for 9 months to
a queer
youth you could have a tremendous impact.
WHO? LGBT adults who are at least 20 years old and passionate about working with youth.
TO LEARN MORE: Please attend an hour-long orientation at the Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, Room B.
WHEN? Either Thursday Jan. 23 or Thursday Jan. 30 at 6:30pm
RSVP: Eileen at mailto:eross@ywcamid.org, (650)494-0972 ext. 336
We look forward to seeing you!
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5. Submissions Sought for NY Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (NYC)
FILM & VIDEOMAKERS, INCLUDING STUDENT MAKERS!
Submissions of films/videos by, about, or of interest to lesbians,
gay men, bisexuals, or transgendered people are now accepted for the 2003
NY Lesbian &
Gay Film Festival (June 5-15, 2003).
The New Festival, Inc.
32 Broadway, 14th floor
NY, NY 10004
Info: 212-558-6855, mailto:info@newfestival.org, http://www.newfestival.org.
Deadline: February 17th
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6. Anti-War Rally and March (SF)
Saturday, January 18th
Rally @ 11am at Justin Herman Plaza (near Embarcadero BART)
March @ 12noon to Civic Center, Rally @ 1pm @ Civic Center
The March on Washington DC and joint action in San Francisco comes just nine days before what has been slated by the Bush administration to be a deadline in their drive towards war on Iraq. People are mobilizing in cities, towns and campuses all over the West Coast to come to San Francisco on Jan. 18. Come out to stop the war before it starts.
Join the queer contingent !
meet: corner of Drumm and Market Streets
Look for "Out Against The War" and other LGBT banners. Wear lavender.
Bring banners and signs.
Queer Contingent organized by Out Against The War, a coalition of LGBT groups and individuals opposed to war. Next meeting is Saturday. Jan. 25, 4pm, 427 S. Van Ness @ 15th St.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/outagainstthewar/. For info. 415/901-8279
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7. Youth and Militarism website
The American Friends Service Committee Youth and Militarism website:
http://www.afsc.org/youthmil/choices/draft.htm
Young people who want to understand their options regarding draft registration, who are considering whether to enlist, or who want to prepare a case for CO status in the event of a draft.
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8. NCCJ's High School Press Awards Essay Contest
The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Northern California Region is proud to announce our annual High School Press Awards Essay Contest sponsored by KPMG LLP. The topic this year focuses on the educational achievement gap in the United States. See contest information below.
NCCJ's 2003 HIGH SCHOOL PRESS AWARDS ESSAY CONTEST
Topic Information:
Education is a cornerstone to success in the United States, and equal
access to quality education should be a fundamental right for all students.
Research suggests, however, that the U.S. does not have an educational
system that provides equal access to quality education. Despite laws
prohibiting the physical segregation of America's schools, a performance
disparity between many white students and many students of color remains.
This difference in grades and test scores as well as graduation rates and
college enrollment is commonly referred to as the "achievement gap."
According to Kati Haycock, Director of The Education Trust, in "Closing the Achievement Gap" (2001), the national achievement gap has widened in the past 15 years. For example: By the end of high school, African American and Latino/a students have skills in both reading and math that are equivalent to those of white 8th graders. Among 18-24 year olds, approximately 90% of whites and 94% of Asians/Asian Americans have either completed high school or earned an equivalent degree -- the rate drops to 81% for African Americans and 63% for Latino/as. African Americans are only half as likely as white students to earn a bachelor's degree by age 29, and Latino/as are only one-third as likely as whites to earn a college degree.
In California specifically, according to a June 2002 EdSource report on California Student Achievement, the achievement of Latino/a students lags significantly behind other ethnic groups, though their improvement rate on the Academic Performance Index is the highest. Also, a recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California entitled, "At Home and in School: Racial and Ethnic Gaps in Educational Preparedness," found that about 16% of the teachers in schools attended by Latino/a and African American students are not fully credentialed. This is twice the percentage of uncredentialed teachers in schools attended by white and Asian students.
Questions:
- Do you see the "achievement gap" in your school?
- If yes, what does it look like and what factors do you think contribute
to the gap?
- If no, what factors prevent this phenomenon in your school?
- What do you think the effects of the achievement gap are on our society
at large?
- What strategies would you propose to narrow or eliminate any achievement
gap in your school and in the United States?
Suggested Reading:
"Closing the Achievement Gap" by Kati Haycock (2001) - http://www.ascd.org/readingroom/edlead/0103/haycock.html
"The Canary In the Mine: The Achievement Gap Between Black and White
Students" by Mano Singham (1998)
Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol (1991)
"Is California Narrowing the Achievement Gap?" (June 2002) - http://www.edsource.org/sch_gap.cfm
Contest Rules:
- Entries must be received no later than Thursday, February 27, 2003
- All Northern California high school students are eligible.
- Entries should be submitted in double-spaced, typewritten form.
- Essays should be a minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 400 words.
- All entries must include a cover page with the title of the essay;
the name, mailing address, telephone number and email address of both the
author and her/his school; and the name of the author's teacher.
- Subsequent pages should ONLY include the title and text of the essay.
- Entries will be judged by a diverse panel of Bay Area journalists.
- Entries become property of The National Conference for Community
and
- Justice and cannot be returned, so please do not submit your only
copy.
- Finalists and winners will be notified by Tuesday, April 1, 2003.
Prizes:
$400 is awarded to each of six winners.
Winners are required to participate in the Spring 2003 NCCJ Community
Inclusiveness Awards Luncheon to receive their awards. Winners'
parents/guardians and teachers are also invited to attend.
How to Enter:
Email submissions in Microsoft Word format to: mailto:tlato@nccj.org
or
Mail submissions to:
2003 High School Press Awards
The National Conference for Community and Justice
The Presidio
1009 General Kennedy Avenue, #2
San Francisco, CA 94129-1700
Please contact Traci Lato at 415.561.2283 or mailto:tlato@nccj.org for more information.
*********************************************
9. COLAGE Internship Announcement (SF)
COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere) is accepting applications for interns for our national headquarters in the San Francisco Womenäs Building.
COLAGE is a national, non-profit, support, education, and advocacy organization
run by and for daughters and sons of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(lgbt) parents. We have a mailing list of over 6,000 and 30 affiliate groups
around North America.
Description
Are you interested in helping people or in gaining experience in the
non-profit sector? Do you care about children and youth? Do you care about
lgbt rights? Come work at COLAGE! We are the only national organization
serving our constituency while presenting a unique perspective on lgbt
issues, and providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for interns. This
is a hands-on job: you won't just be filing, youäll get to use your creativity
and initiative. We are looking for team players who are self-motivated
and enjoy working hard. Interns can assist the staff on current projects,
or develop their own projects. In the process you will learn about many
areas of non-profit work, queer communities, and gay and lesbian family
issues.
COLAGE is run on a shoe-string budget in a small office with a combination of full-time staff, part-time staff, and a bunch of volunteers. Time, space and resources are scarce, but energy, enthusiasm and intelligence are abundant.
We are especially looking for people interested in one or more of the following areas: Fundraising, communications and press work, events and activities, outreach development for COLAGE, providing support and information for families nationwide, website and internet programs.
Preferred qualifications
* Computer literate (especially on PCäs), knowledge of Office 97/2000,
FileMaker Pro, HTML, and PageMaker a plus.
* Experience and comfort with phone-based organizing and networking.
* Self-motivated, flexible, and full of initiative.
* Be of high-school age or older
* Daughter or son of (a) lgbt parent/s.
How to Apply
Currently accepting applications for full-time and part-time interns
for the 2003 spring semester. Our school-year internships are unpaid positions.
If you are a student we will work with your school to receive academic
credit or
work study pay. We have flexible hours, including occasional weekend
and evening availability. Please call for more information.
415-861-5437
fax (415) 255-8345,
mailto:director@colage.org
http://www.colage.org
People of color, people with disabilities, and people with lgbt parents
especially encouraged to apply.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Free Zone Retrospective
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming Leadership Training - Fresno
2. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Program Director
3. SFMT Youth Theater Project (Bay Area)
Other Announcements
4. Creative Writing Workshop for LGBTQQ Youth (Bay Area)
5. Hubbub: Queer Spoken Word (SF)
6. GLAAD Online Media Reference Guide
7. New Video About LGBT Youth Activism in Schools
8. Revolution 101 Class (Bay Area)
9. Reception to Honor Civil Rights Activists (SF)
10. SIECUS is looking for young writers
11. Anti-Defamation League Awards For Student Filmmakers
12. Yoshiyama Award Nominations
13. Scholarships!
14. NEWS: Students fight to open doors for gay clubs in area
schools (TX)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Free Zone Retrospective
Come and check out the amazing work done by Free Zone youth artists over the last three years!
Free Zone is a collaborative youth arts activism project through GSA Network and LYRIC. This year at LYRIC's Queer Youth Art Show, Free Zone will be honored with a retrospective exhibit. The three-year Free Zone retrospective includes: 2002 Liberation Ink posters, 2001 As If It Matters video, 2000 High Contrast photo/text exhibit.
* * * LYRIC's 3rd Annual Queer Youth Art Show * * *
Friday, January 10, 2003, 7-9pm
at the San Francisco LGBT Center - 1800 Market Street at Octavia
FREE
Please join us for an evening of art and performance by LGBTQQI youth.
spoken word * multi-media * rants * photography * painting * dance * performance art * video * drawing * sculpture * and featuring a three-year Free Zone retrospective!
The Queer Youth Art Show will be up for the whole month of January.
For more info, please contact Linn at LYRIC: 415-703+6150 x24, mailto:linn@lyric.org.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Upcoming Leadership Training - Fresno
Leadership Training In Fresno This Saturday, January 11th!
Come to Fresno and learn everything you ever wanted to know about starting,
running or being a part of a GSA. Individual activists are also welcome.
You
don't have to be a part of a GSA to benefit from this fun experience
that
will build your skill as a leader and comes complete with pizza!
10am - 4pm
Central California GSA Network office (4403 E. Tulare Ave.) in Fresno.
FREE!
Contact Diana for details or directions (559)442-4777, mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
2. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: GSA Network Program Director
Description
Gay-Straight Alliance Network seeks to hire its first Program Director.
We are looking for someone with leadership skills who can manage a team
of organizers and project staff as part of a dynamic youth-led organization.
The Program Director should have the ability to coordinate and lead a team
to achieve program goals with creativity and resourcefulness. The
Program Director will be responsible for coordinating, implementing and
evaluating youth organizing, leadership development, and technical assistance
programs; supervising staff and interns; managing campaign development;
representing GSA Network in coalitions and in the community; securing strategic
community collaborations; managing grant objectives; and assisting with
fundraising by writing portions of grants and preparing reports.
This position is based in our San Francisco office and will require travel
within California, particularly to Southern California.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a statewide social justice organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia in California schools. For more information, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.
Qualifications
- At least 3 years experience in community organizing policy advocacy,
and/or youth leadership development
- Experience with program planning/development and evaluation
- Ability to manage grant objectives and prepare grant reports
- Experience supervising staff
- Excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills (e.g. developing
tracking systems, timelines, work plans, etc.)
- Training and curriculum development experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public
speaking
- Strong computer skills
- Commitment to LGBTQQI youth leadership and empowerment
- Commitment to anti-oppression work
- Desire to be part of building a social justice youth movement
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $32,500-$37,500 plus benefits
To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Carolyn Laub, GSA Network, 160 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 or email your application to: mailto:jobsearch@gsanetwork.org
GSA Network, a project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQQI people, and people with disabilities.
*********************************************
3. SFMT Youth Theater Project (Bay Area)
Got Issues? Got Dreams? Make Theater! Get Heard! Get Paid!
Dates: February 18 - April 13, 2003
Time: M/W or T/TH 4-7pm
Location: SF LGBT Community Center
Cost: Free, stipend and meal provided
Ages: 14-18
Our Queer Youth Theater Group will meet twice weekly for two months to improvise, write, and create an original play on a topic that both scandalizes and inspires us. We will then join the other Youth Theater Groups and perform our show in a fully professionally supported (sets, costumes, live band!) Youth Theater Festival at the Diego Rivera Theater at City College of SF.
WE ARE NOT SILENT! The San Francisco Mime Troupe is America's foremost theater of political comedy. The Tony-award winning company has been creating and performing theater around the Bay Area, the nation, and the world since 1959. MIME: The exaggeration of everyday life in story and song.
The workshops will be taught by teaching teams consisting of a Master Mime Troupe teacher and college student interns. Participants will receive acting, comedy, and playwriting training, and participate in all aspects of the creation process. Plus, a $10 stipend and meal are provided for every class attended. The workshop is produced in community partnership with the SF Mime Troupe, HMI, and high school Gay Straight Alliances.
For more information, check out http://www.sfmt.org/youththeaterproject.html or contact Leah (415)285-1717 or mailto:Leah@sfmt.org.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
4. Creative Writing Workshop for LGBTQQ Youth (Bay Area)
ON THE PAGE & ON THE STAGE: CREATIVE WRITING FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH
Chad Lange
7 Thursdays, Jan 16-Feb 27; 6:30-9:30 pm
Location: SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St @ Octavia
FREE, open to LGBTQQ youth 23 and under
This class focuses on developing serious work by committed writers. On The Page & On The Stage focuses on all genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Students receive exciting combinations of thoughtful readings and critiques by the class and instructor; hands-on help for developing craft elements such as point of view, characterization, plot, and setting; attend other writers' literary and spoken word events; guest speakers from the teaching, publishing, writing, and performance fields; tips on how to live as a writer and artist; and the chance for to perform at literary events including the June 2003 National Queer Arts Festival.
On the Page & On the Stage also offers one-on-one sessions with the instructor so that students develop their writing both individually and in a group setting. Because class participation is vital to the success of a workshop, students are asked to attend each session. The class is fun and supportive while providing a space for constructive criticism and intense discussion. Students may join after the first session on a space-available basis. This class will continue to meet for another 7 weeks, March 6-April 24.
Chad Lange is the California Arts Council artist-in-residence at Harvey Milk Institute for November 2002-August 2003. A graduate of the MFA program in Creative Writing at Saint Mary's College, Chad divides his time between writing and teaching. He wants his students to become rich and successful so they can support him in his old age. For four years he copublished a literary and art journal called asspants, and his fiction has appeared in Fourteen Hills and Modern Words.
More questions? Feel free to contact Chad at chadlange84@hotmail.com.
To register, contact HMI: http://www.harveymilk.org, 415.865.5633
*********************************************
5. Hubbub: Queer Spoken Word (SF)
Hubbub: Queer Spoken Word
Sunday January 19th, signup at 2:30, reading at 3 pm.
Featured readers: Shailja Patel and Roger Pinnell.
Hosted by Larry-bob.
$3 donation, all ages, no one turned away for lack of funds.
At Build, 483 Guerrero Street near 17th Street in San Francisco
phone: 415-863-3041
website: http://www.holytitclamps.com/hubbub
email: mailto:larrybob@io.com
Open mike follows featured readers; bring one piece (prose, poetry, or whatever) of not more than five minutes to read. Signup is at 2:30 pm.
Shailja Patel bio:
Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Awaaz (London), Trikone
Magazine, Short North Gazette, Sow's Ear Poetry Review, and the Emily Dickinson
Award Anthology; the feature film, Buzz Me In, and the CD, Best of the
Berkeley Slam Poets.
Roger Pinnell bio:
His writing has appeared in Holy Titclamps and The Y Files. He was
the vocalist and founder of late 80s San Francisco band Piglatin.
Larry-bob has published the queer zine Holy Titclamps since 1989, produces the weekly email list of non-mainstream events "Queer Things To Do In San Francisco" and co-produces QComedy's gay comedy showcases.
*********************************************
6. GLAAD Online Media Reference Guide
The GLAAD Media Reference Guide, now in its 5th edition, offers reporters, editors, producers and other media professionals resources they can use for fair, accurate and inclusive reporting on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lives and issues.
Among the guide's key features:
* A comprehensive lesbian, gay and bisexual glossary of terms
* A section on transgender and gender identity concepts and language
* Problematic and defamatory terminology
* In-depth sections on emerging stories and trends (including a new
section on gays in sports)
* A directory of community spokespeople and experts on LGBT families,
people of color communities, legal issues, religion and faith, seniors,
youth and more.
The online version of the GLAAD Media Reference Guide is available at http://www.glaad.org.
*********************************************
7. New Video About LGBT Youth Activism in Schools
New video: "SPEAK UP! Improving the Lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered Youth"
30 minute video. Explores what gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students and their allies have done to transform their schools into safer and more welcoming environments. Interviews with students, parents, teachers, administrators and national activists (Judy Shepard, Danny and Julie from MTV's Real World New Orleans and actor/musician Anthonly Rapp). Media Education Foundation: 1-800-897-0089; http://www.mediaed.org/videos/MediaGenderAndDiversity/SpeakUp/
*********************************************
8. Revolution 101 Class (Bay Area)
REVOLUTION 101
Revolution 101 is a 10-session class, one session a week designed to
introduce young organizers - young organizers of color, young working class
organizers, young LGBTQ organizers and young women organizers - to the
basics of revolutionary theory and practice. This years class will
run between the months of February and April.
Revolution 101 meets the young generation of movement leaders need for relevant revolutionary training- helping us to learn the lessons and models developed by our revolutionary ancestors and giving us the space to apply those models to our organizing work today. Revolution 101 is broken down into three major pieces:
Structures OF OPPRESSION will help you to deepen your understanding of the oppressive structures that face our people: dicuss intersections, origions, econimic and community impacts... We study some of the "classics" - Marx, Malcolm X, and Audre Lorde - and talk about how their ideas and theories apply to our lives today.
Histories OF RESISTANCE learning from the histories that came before
us. We focus on revolutionary struggles in working-class
communities of color in the united states. We study these histories
to be inspired by their victories and critically analyze their mistakes.
Tools FOR REVOLUTION we will learn about tools we can use to tear this system down. We study theories and tools developed by revolutionary movements around the world, focusing on movements in the Third World. We break down difficult theoretical concepts using accesible methods, and we learn to apply these theories to our daily work as weapons for our liberation struggle.
SO HOW DO YOU GET INTO REVOLUTION 101 ?
Send in the attached application form.
You can return this email application to malachi@youthec.org
You can print this out and fax it back at (510)
451-5866
You can mail an application back to SOUL @ 1357
5th Street, Oakland CA 94607
This is a free class. With a class manual sold at scliding scale 0-10
dollars, to cover cost of production.
Get your application in by January 15th, and we'll let know by the
22nd. Here's the deal: YOU NEED TO MAKE A REAL COMMITMENT TO THE
CLASS! We're only accepting 23 people to the class (for real this time).
* Exact day and time will be worked according to particpants schedules
and needs.
* Childcare and (spanish) translation available.
* The class will be held @ the Youth Empowerment Center- 1357 5th Street,
W. Oakland (behind west oakland BART station)- in our wheel chair accessible
office.
* We encourage everyone to apply, but we have a strong affirmative
action program for people of color, working class people, gay / lesbian
/ bisexual / trans. people, and women.
Name:
Organization (if any):
Phone #:
Pager / Cell #:
Address:
E-mail:
Age:
Race/Ethnicity:
Gender:
Class:
Sexuality:
What is your political background?
Why do you want to participate in Revolution 101?
What impact will Revolution 101 have on your work?
What specifically do you want to learn in Revolution 101?
What day could you NOT POSSIBLY do:
_____ Monday 6-9pm
_____ Tuesday 6-9pm
_____ Wednesday 6-9pm
_____ Thursday 6-9pm
_____ Sun 12-3pm
_____ Sun 3-6pm
Would you be needing:
_____ spanish translation
_____ childcare
- Revolution 101 is a project of SOUL (the school of unity and liberation -
*********************************************
9. Reception to Honor Civil Rights Activists (SF)
Community Works Presents:
THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
PORTRAITS OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS THEN AND NOW
Reception to Honor 12 Civil Rights Activists: Robert Allen, Frances M. Beal, Janet Clinger, Bettie Mae Fikes, Jon Fromer, Matt Herron, Philip Hutchings, Yuri Kochiyama, Carlos Muñoz, Willie B. Wazir Peacock, Eleanor Walden and Rev. Cecil Williams.
February 1, 2003
2:00 p.m. at Koret Auditoreum, Main Branch of San Francisco Public
Library
Includes the premiere of a 25 minute video "The Long Walk to Freedom" which will be airing on KQED TV February 26 at 7:00 p.m. The video was produced by Community Works and edited and directed by award winning filmmaker Tom Weidlinger.
This traveling exhibition celebrates these 12 civil rights activists
and highlights how these "ordinary" young people from different racial
and economic
backgrounds, came to accomplish extraordinary deeds, changing the face
of the nation and giving birth to the modern civil rights movement. Based
on yearlong workshops conducted by Community Works at George Washington
High School, it includes historical and contemporary photographs and a
graphic timeline developed with the Schomburg Center For Research and Black
Culture, as well as poetry and prose by George Washington public High School
students.
Exhibition January 18 - March 20, 2003 Skylight Gallery, Main Library, Sixth Floor
For more information call Community Works at 510.486.2340
*********************************************
10. SIECUS is Looking For Young Writers
Are you or someone you know an aspiring writer? If so, SIECUS, the Sex Information and Education Council of the United States, is looking for young writers. Please pass this to any young people you know as well as to colleagues who work with young people. We apologize for any cross postings. Thank you.
CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE!
WRITE FOR THE SIECUS REPORT
Are you an aspiring writer? Have something important to say? Want to get published? Put your writing skills to the test. Write an article for a special edition of the SIECUS Report: "Young People Talk about Sex."
Use the following topics as a jumping off point. You could tell us about your own experiences, what's going on with your friends, your family, your school, or your community. You could tell us about something you've heard, seen, or read lately. You could show off your journalistic skills and write a news article. Or you could just give us your opinion.
The topics are:
* Sexuality Education. Adults in the United States can't seem to agree
on what, if anything, teens should learn about sex in school.
* HIV/AIDS. Yours is the first generation that has grown up in a world
that always included HIV and AIDS.
* Sex Is Everywhere. You live in world where the media tells you how
you should look, what you should wear, and what is considered sexy.
All we ask is that you are between 15 and 20 years old, that you write 1,000 to 1,500 words and that you submit your article with the entry form below by February 14, 2003. To protect their privacy, please change the names of any real people featured in your article.
FYI, the SIECUS Report is the bimonthly journal of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. It is read by sexuality educators, doctors, health care practitioners, sexual health advocates, and others interested in promoting sexual health and sexual rights.
For more information about SIECUS, visit our web site at http://www.siecus.org
COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR SUBMISSION BY FEBRUARY 14,
2003:
Name:
Address:
Date of Birth:
E-mail:
E-mail the entry to Mac Edwards at mailto:medwards@siecus.org, fax it to 212/819-9776, or send it to Mac Edwards, Editor, SIECUS, 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 350, New York, NY 10036-7802
All submissions must be the original work of the author. SIECUS reserves the right to edit all submissions, to publish them in the SIECUS Report, and to post them on the SIECUS web site without consultation with the authors. Copyright of the works remains with the authors, but SIECUS reserves the right to publish the works without payment of royalty to the authors and without further permission from them. SIECUS will not return submissions to authors.
*********************************************
11. Anti-Defamation League Awards For Student Filmmakers
ADL's awards for student and young filmmakers doing anti-bias work, application deadline May 28.
In 1982 ADL established the Dore Schary Awards to honor the memory of filmmaker Dore Schary for his contributions to the art of the motion picture -- and for his years of leadership as National Chairman of the Anti-Defamation League.
There are two awards:
The Dore Schary Student Achievement Award is given each year to student film and video productions on themes that are in keeping with the Anti-Defamation League's mission to promote human rights, combat bigotry and prejudice against all groups and to secure justice and fair treatment for all people.
New! Special Jury Award. This year the ADL Dore Schary Awards announce a new category. The 17th Annual Awards will be expanded to include recognition for amateur and professional filmmakers 25 years old or younger.
Productions dealing with the following themes are eligible:
* Hatred
* Bigotry
* Racism
* Anti-Semitism
* Prejudice or Discrimination
* And Themes that Support Diversity
For more info or to apply, visit: http://www.adl.org/dore%5Fschary%5Fawards/rules%5F17.asp.
*********************************************
12. Yoshiyama Award Nominations
Nominations of High School Seniors Invited for Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community
Deadline: April 1, annually
With an endowment from Tokyo-based Hitachi, Ltd., the Hitachi Foundation promotes social responsibility through effective participation in global society and seeks to build the capacity of all Americans, particularly those underserved by traditional institutions.
The foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community annually to ten high school seniors from around the United States on the basis of their community service activities. The award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years. Recipients may use the award at their discretion; it is not a scholarship.
High school seniors from the United States and U.S. territories are eligible to be nominated for the award. Award selection is based upon the significance and extent of the nominee's service to the community. The foundation accepts nominations from people directly familiar with the nominee's service, including community leaders, service providers, teachers, school principals, and members of the clergy. Self and parental nominations are automatically disqualified.
Nominations for the 2003 award can be submitted electronically online or by mail. See the Hitachi Foundation Web site for information on obtaining a nomination form.
http://www.hitachifoundation.org/
*********************************************
13. Scholarships!
KarMel Scholarship - Best Written/Artistic GLBT Themed Work
The KarMel Scholarship will award individuals who show creativity and
originality in expressing their views on the Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender
(GLBT) topic. The two award categories are: Best "Written" GLBT Themed
Work ($300) [i.e. personal stories, fictional stories, poem, editorial]
and Best "Artistic" GLBT Themed Work($400) [i.e. drawing, song, painting,
video, photo, comic strip]. The deadline is Feb 8, 2003. For more info
and application, go to: http://www.karenandmelody.com/KarMelScholarship.html
eQuality Scholarships, app. deadline March 10
In 2003, the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative will award eight or
more scholarships of at least $1000 to assist with post-secondary educational
expenses. Applicants must be graduating from a high school in northern
or central California; be in good academic standing; have applied to a
two- or four-year post-secondary institution, including trade schools;
and have promoted understanding of and equality for the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender
community. Applicants for the Kaiser Permanente scholarship must also be
planning a career in health care. For more info and applications: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/eindex.htm
Third Wave Foundation scholarships, app. deadline April 1
Scholarships for young women of color age 30 and under who are enrolled
in, or have been accepted to, an accredited university, college, vocational/technical
school or community college. Students applying for grants should also be
involved as activists, artists, or cultural workers working on issues such
as racism, homophobia, sexism, or other forms of inequality. From $1,000
and $5,000 each. Applications are available on-line now. Phone: 212-388-1898
; Email: mailto:infor@thirdwavefoundation.org;
Web site: http://www.thirdwavefoundation.org/programs/scholarships.html
Family Pride Coalition & Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere
(COLAGE) Scholarships, app. deadline Apr 18
Scholarships of up to $1000 for postsecondary (college) students who
have LGBT parents and have a demonstrated ability in and commitment to
affecting change in society. The application is available online now. Phone:
415-861-5437; Email: mailto:colage@colage.org
; Web site: http://www.colage.org/scholarship.html
The Audre Lorde Scholarship applications available February 15, app.
deadline to apply May 15
$1,000 scholarships for out gay men and lesbians of African descent
(including adults) attending or planning to attend technical, undergraduate
or graduate school in the U.S. full- or part-time. Requires a 2.5 grade-point
average. Phone: 404-370-0911; Email: mailto:zami@zami.org;
Web site: http://www.zami.org. The 2003
scholarship applications (http://www.zami.org/scholarship.htm)
will be posted and ready for download no later than February 15, 2003!
The deadline is May 15, 2003.
An Uncommon Legacy Foundation scholarships, app. deadline July 1
$2,500 lesbian leadership scholarships to undergraduate and graduate
lesbian students who demonstrate a commitment or contribution to the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender community. Consideration will be given to academic
performance, honors, personal or financial hardship, and especially service
to the LGBT community. Phone: 212-366-6507; Web site: http://www.uncommonlegacy.org/grants/scholarships.htm
*********************************************
14. NEWS: Students fight to open doors for gay clubs in area schools
(TX)
Houston Chronicle, January 5, 2003
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metropolitan/1724048
Students fight to open doors for gay clubs in area schools
Teens cite bias, but critics say groups too risky
By Lucas Wall
Marla Dukler, a 16-year-old junior at Klein High School, says she has often been harassed for being a lesbian. Last month, a group of male students shoved her into a wall of lockers and "called me a faggot before they walked off."
Dukler is among a group of Klein students trying to start a Gay-Straight Alliance. Similar extracurricular clubs for gay youth and their allies at other schools work to fight discriminatory violence, offer peer support and help the school community learn about sexual orientation, diversity, tolerance and gay rights.
"At my school there's a lot of harassment that goes on and students don't necessarily feel safe," Dukler said. "I just wanted to form a place where people could go and have support. It makes it easier to wake up in the morning and go to school."
Debate over whether GSAs should
be allowed to meet in schools has been percolating across the country in
the past eight years and has now arrived in
Harris County. Klein students say their application has been
held up, and students at Cypress Falls and Jersey Village high schools
in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District say their requests
this year have been turned down.
Proponents point to court decisions allowing GSAs to meet under the Equal Access Act, a federal law passed to protect students' First Amendment rights. The act prohibits publicly funded schools from discriminating against the establishment of student clubs based on their points of view.
"Homosexuals are the most openly discriminated group of individuals," said Brent Fry, a 17-year-old heterosexual senior at Cypress Falls.
"School districts are the breeding grounds for these types of feelings. ... This club would be a great place to have programs that would help."
A 2001 survey by the Gay, Lesbian
and Straight Education Network, a New York-based group that fights anti-gay
discrimination in schools, showed
84 percent of gay students questioned heard anti-gay remarks at school,
31 percent had skipped classes because they felt unsafe and 21 percent
had been
assaulted.
"GSAs are meant to create school communities where all people are respected and accepted regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression," said Eliza Byard, the network's deputy director. "I would challenge anyone to find fault with such an important purpose."
The first GSA was formed in 1989
in Massachusetts. The clubs spread slowly throughout the United States,
swelling in number in the past few years
as more teens began to declare their homosexuality earlier in life.
The network's registry now contains almost 1,700 alliances in high schools
in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
These clubs remain rare in this region, however. The Chronicle asked the 58 school districts in the eight-county metropolitan area if they have any alliances in their high schools. All but three districts responded, though information provided by the Houston Independent School District was incomplete.
The survey found only three GSAs currently meeting in 123 area high schools: Bellaire and Reagan in HISD and La Porte in La Porte ISD. Opponents of such groups say it is inappropriate for schools to promote gay rights and fear the clubs will turn into dating services where kids will talk about sex and seek partners.
"Their behavior is risky behavior
that results in disease and death," said Kathy Haigler of Houston, executive
director of the Texas Eagle Forum, a conservative pro-family organization.
"We would be against a high school allowing them to meet together.
It'd be like having a smoking club or a
drinking club. It's unhealthy behavior.
"Why would the schools want to promote minors having sexual discussions with each other?"
Students, however, dismissed claims they would gather to chat about sex.
"I'm not interested in knowing about the other people's sex lives and not interested in having people know about mine," said Amanda Dillon, a 16-year-old junior at Jersey Village High who came out as a lesbian her freshman year.
Lee Longoria, founder of the Gay-Straight
Alliance at Reagan High, said all but a few of his two dozen members are
straight. Longoria, a gay senior, said his group has heard from a
parent about what it's like to raise a gay son, has watched gay-themed
movies and plans to discuss the stages of
revealing one's sexual orientation. The group has helped create
a more tolerant climate at Reagan, he said.
"As long as people see that it's there, then they'll be more willing to accept it," Longoria said. "But if we keep on hiding, then nothing comes from that."
The National Mental Health Association
launched a campaign against anti-gay bullying in schools last month.
The Alexandria, Va.-based association said gay youth "face daily threats
to their mental and physical health - ranging from anti-gay taunts to beatings
- in their schools and
communities" and "are at increased risk for depression, anxiety disorders,
school failure, and often suicide."
One of the campaign's six suggestions for schools is to encourage students to start a GSA.
"Youth whose schools had these kinds of groups were less likely to have reported feeling unsafe in their schools," according to the association.
Will Harrell, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, said school districts are prohibited from discriminating against students who want to start a gay rights group.
"The law is so clear, there's no
reason to squander judicial resources in trying to fight this out," Harrell
said. "My concern is that when the
school administration is creating such a hostile environment, most
of these young kids or their parents are afraid to pursue their statutory
rights."
Not all opposition comes from school
administrators. One of the first GSAs in Texas, formed at Leander
High School near Austin in fall 1999, faced an immediate petition drive
by students seeking its demise. And this year, after a GSA started
at La Porte High, students ripped down posters
advertising its meetings.
This is the second school year that Dillon and Alexis Hall, a 17-year-old senior, have tried to start a Gay-Straight Alliance at Jersey Village High. This fall, they said, an associate principal told them the school district would not allow such a club.
Each school principal in the Cy-Fair district is responsible for reviewing student club applications. Kelli Durham, assistant superintendent for communication, said the issues of sexual orientation and dating are "a can of worms that is social, not something that relates to school activities."
But Durham denied the district has told its principals to prohibit gay-oriented clubs.
"If the administrator said that, that was not the position of the district," she said. "That was a misinterpretation."
Questions for Jersey Village principal Ralph Funk were referred back to Durham.
At Cypress Falls High, Brandon Pfluger has led a group of students attempting to start a GSA. Pfluger, an 18-year-old senior, said principal Sue Pope told him in October to revise the club's statement of purpose, a document required of all groups wishing to form extracurricular clubs.
Pfluger said he feels the school is intentionally thwarting his efforts.
"We shouldn't be denied the right to have a club because of its purpose," he said. "We made sure to state all members are welcome. We want to learn not only about gay culture but provide a safe haven for those who need it."
Pope said there has been no decision to stop the alliance from organizing.
"We really have to understand the purpose of the club," she said. "They are not being treated any differently from any other group."
Pfluger expressed frustration that 72 other clubs are recognized at his school, including a Muslim Student Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hearts of Asia and Honorary Hispanic Role Models.
Efforts to start a GSA at a third Cy-Fair ISD high school failed last school year and have not been revived. Daniel Sahwani, 17, who graduated from Langham Creek High School last May, said he submitted an application on behalf of 25 students and was turned down.
Carolyn Williams, Langham Creek associate principal, referred questions to Durham, who reiterated her previous statements. In the Klein ISD, the district's policy concerning student clubs was amended Nov. 11 - only weeks after students at Klein High had asked to start a GSA.
The new policy states no groups shall be permitted that promote criminal behavior or acts that pose a risk to students' health and welfare "including, but not limited to, sexual activity by minors."
Principal Pat Huff said he passed the GSA application on to Superintendent Jim Surratt "because of the controversial nature of the club" and the district's conservative population.
"Because of the community that we serve, we're a little different than some of the other high schools maybe in the inner city that have allowed the club to go forward," Huff said. "I have to always be thinking about the people, our constituency."
Dukler said she objects to the school district's changing policy after her application was submitted - she thinks it was amended specifically to forbid a GSA - and feels Surratt is purposefully delaying making a decision.
Liz Johnson, assistant superintendent for community relations, said the changes were made as part of a routine policy review, not to prevent an alliance. Surratt has a stack of club applications he's yet to consider, she added.
"We think this will need study and some consideration, very careful consideration," Johnson said.
Dukler said her group is prepared to
sue if the district denies the club. Her parents and those of other
applicants have contacted the ACLU and
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, a New York-based group that
litigates for gay rights.
"I'm hoping it will be resolved
fairly quickly," Dukler said, "but I am not going to take no for an answer."
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Thank You to GSA Network Donors!
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Organizational Update
2. Next Bayprism Meeting (Bay Area)
Other Announcements
3. GLSEN Students of Color Organizing Retreat (Santa Fe, NM)
4. First Gay Prom 2003 Planning Meeting (Bay Area)
5. Queer Youth Art Show (Bay Area)
6. Transgender Youth Symposium (LA County)
7. LYRIC Peer Health Educator Program (SF)
8. Theater Activism Workshop for GLBTQ Youth and Allies (SoCal)
9. Outright Radio - Queer Homelessness Story
10. Workshop: Artistic Tools for Grass-Roots Activists (SoCal)
11. Southern Exposure Youth Art Showcase (Bay Area)
12. Job Announcements: School of Unity and Liberation (Bay Area)
13. NEWS: Anti-Bullying Programs in Sacramento Area
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Thank You to GSA Network Donors!
Happy New Year! On behalf of the board and staff of GSA Network, we want to thank the hundreds of people who gave a 2002 year-end contribution to GSA Network. We appreciate your support!
We also want to say a very special thank you to the folks who hosted house parties this Fall. The house parties were are a really fun way to introduce new folks to GSA Network and celebrate the incredible work of youth activists in the GSA movement across California!
Special thanks to house party hosts:
Beth Mischke & Tony Sachs
John Thompson & Ellen Press
Emilie Eagan & Justus Brown
Christopher Calhoun, Viannah Duncan, & Laura Vilchez
If you would like to make a donation to GSA Network in 2003, you can:
- send a check to "Tides Center/GSA Network" at 160 14th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- call us at 415.552.4229 to make a credit card donation
- or visit us at http://www.gsanetwork.org
and click on the "Donate Now" button
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. GSA Network Organizational Update
GSA Network is undergoing some changes in 2003 due to the downturn in the economy. It is with great sadness and regret that we are announcing the departure of 2 beloved staff members of GSA Network: Jill Shenker and CC Sapp. Jill has been the Arts Empowerment Coordinator for GSA Network for more than 2 years, helping to develop the incredible arts activism tools that so many GSAs have used over the years. CC has been our Southern California Community Organizer, helping to expand GSA Network and running our first trainings and GSA Activist Camp in the region over the past nearly 2 years. They will each be sorely missed!
Additionally, we have decided to close our physical office space in Los Angeles. All of these changes mean that GSA Network will undergo a restructuring in 2003, so that we can maintain our core programs and services.
GSA Network remains a statewide organization and will continue to provide support and trainings to GSAs in Southern California through phone, email, and staff travelling to Southern California to conduct trainings and run Youth Council meetings.
GSA Network will also continue to distribute our arts activism tools, including the High Contrast photo exhibit, As If It Matters video, and Liberation Ink posters. Check these resources out at http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone. We will not be running a new Free Zone program in summer 2003.
These are difficult economic times for many non-profits. Nonetheless, GSA Network remains committed to fulfilling our mission of empowering youth activists to fight homophobia in schools throughout California. We appreciate all of your support and confidence during this time.
If you have any questions, please call us at 415.552.4229 or email info@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
2. Next Bayprism Meeting (Bay Area)
Bayprism is a group of Bay Area GSAs started by GSA members in September of 2002. The goals of the group are to exchange information with each other, plan events, and have fun!
We meet once or twice a month at potluck meetings where we go over GSA issues and help each other solve them and then plan events for all students. We are always looking to add more GSAs to our group. If you would like to join please email Frances Grimstad at mailto:franwg@rcn.com or our yahoo group at mailto:Bayprism@yahoogroups.com.
Our next meeting will be JANUARY 11TH, 3:30-5:30PM, AT FRANCES' HOUSE!!
the address is 857 Elizabeth St in Noe Valley (right next to the Castro)
one street over from 24th st. We will be discussing our next events and
any other problems that are arising with our GSAs. Please e-mail Francis
if you have any questions - mailto:franwg@rcn.com.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
3. GLSEN Students of Color Organizing Retreat (Santa Fe, NM)
GLSEN national is sponsoring its Students of Color Organizing Retreat on January 17-20 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are looking for 12-15 student organizers from throughout the country to network with GLSEN staff and each other, build skills of students of color organizers, and identify strategies for GLSEN to better meet the needs of students and communities of color.
The deadline for application was December 29, but interested students may still be able to get on board if they apply right away.
Go to http://www.glsen.org/templates/student/record.html?section=45&record=1493
for more information.
*********************************************
4. First Gay Prom 2003 Planning Meeting (Bay Area)
GAY PROM 2003 PLANNING MEETINGS OPEN TO ALL YOUTH!
The ninth annual Bay Area Gay Prom will be on Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Centennial Hall in Hayward. Last year, over 400 queer and straight-ally youth attended Gay Prom, which is created by youth every year!
Our first planning meeting will be on Tuesday, January 7, 6-7pm, at Lambda Youth Project, Project Eden, 22646 Second St. (corner of C and 2nd Sts.), Hayward.
All are welcome to come and be part of designing this amazing event!
Contact Christina with questions or for directions: 510/247-8217 or mailto:info@gayprom.org.
*********************************************
5. Queer Youth Art Show (Bay Area)
LYRIC's 3rd Annual Queer Youth Art Show
Friday, January 10, 2003, 7-9pm
at the San Francisco LGBT Center - 1800 Market Street at Octavia
FREE
Please join us for an evening of art and performance by LGBTQQI youth.
spoken word * multi-media * rants * photography * painting * dance *
performance art * video * drawing * sculpture
and featuring a three-year Free Zone retrospective
Free Zone is a collaborative youth arts activism project through GSA Network and LYRIC. The three-year Free Zone retrospective includes: 2002 Liberation Ink posters, 2001 As If It Matters video, 2000 High Contrast photo/text exhibit.
The Queer Youth Art Show will be up for the whole month of January.
For more info, please contact Linn at LYRIC: 415-703+6150 x24, mailto:linn@lyric.org.
*********************************************
6. Transgender Youth Symposium (LA County)
The 3rd Annual Transgender Youth Symposium:
"Raising the Next Genderation"
This conference is designed for the Transgender Youth as well as service providers who work directly or indirectly with the Transgender Youth population. Last Year's symposium was attended by over 250 providers and youth. It included workshops on medical, mental health, and legal issues. This year's even is being developed to meet the needs of 300 service providers as well as Transgender Youth in Los Angeles County.
When: January 17, 2003 * 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Los Angeles City College
Registration Fee: $25 and free for TG Youth under 25 years of
age
To register for this conference, you may call (323) 669-2390 for more
info.
*********************************************
7. LYRIC Peer Health Educator Program (SF)
LYRIC's Peer Health Educator (PHE) Program is seeking applicants!
Below is the application for the internship. PHEs get trained over a weekend retreat and monthly follow-up trainings to then work in teams to develop your own workshops on issues related to LGBT youth health and wellness. The PHEs are required to meet once month for supervision meetings and attend one training per month. On top of that you work on your own and in groups to research, develop and present your workshops. Workshops are presented in all kinds of places such as LYRIC programs, conferences, schools, and other youth spaces. The internship requires about 12-15 hours per month and pays $100/month.
There are only six paid positions available. Anyone can volunteer with the PHEs and anyone who goes through the training is also qualified to facilitate our discussion groups. We are always looking for more facilitators. All volunteers receive incentives and have priority if a paid position opens up at LYRIC. Youth of color, trans youth, young women, homeless youth, youth with disabilities, current LYRIC participants and youth under 18 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Here are the upcoming dates to be aware of:
Tues. Jan 21st 6:30-8pm - Info. meeting @ LYRIC about the Wellness Retreat
(For all current or prospective PHEs, facilitators, Love and Justice
interns and Kickin It peer leaders.)
Fri. Jan 24th - Application Deadline for PHEs and facilitators
Fri. Feb 7th - Sunday Feb 9th - Wellness Retreat (Sacramento, depart
Fri. night/return Sun. afternoon)
Tues. Feb. 18th 6:30-9pm - Wellness Team In-service Training @ LYRiC
FACILITATOR/ PEER HEALTH EDUCATOR APPLICATION:
Applications due Jan. 24th, 2003 . First meeting = Tues., Jan. 21st
from 6:30-8pm. The retreat will be held @ the Sacramento Youth Hostel -
Fri. Feb. 7th - Sun Feb. 9th.
Name:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Phone#:
E-mail:
Ethnicity:
Gender identity:
Do we need to be discreet when contacting you? YES NO
I am interested in becoming a: (check one or both)
__ Facilitator (check which discussion group(s) below)
Changeling (trans group)
Young Men's Group
Young Women's Group
All Tied Up (BDSM group)
Coming Out Group
Bi Grou
__ Peer Health Educator
*If you are interested in becoming a peer health educator, you must
submit a letter with this application addressing the following: (forms
are due by Friday, Feb. 24th)
Tell us a little about yourselfÄ
- Why are interested in becoming a peer health educator?
- What do you feel you can contribute?
- What do you hope to get out the experience?
- And anything else you like to tell us about yourself.
Please mail, fax, email or drop off applications to Kristin, Sierra,
or Joe @:
LYRIC
127 Collingwood Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 703-6150 (phone)
(415) 703-6153 (fax)
mailto:kristin@lyric.org (ext.
12)
mailto:sierra@lyric.org (ext.
22)
mailto:joe@lyric.org (ext. 13)
More questions...?
Contact Joe at LYRIC:
Joe Ereñeta
LYRIC - Wellness Program Coordinator
(415) 703-6150 ext13
mailto:joe@lyric.org
http://www.lyric.org
*********************************************
8. Theater Activism Workshop for GLBTQ Youth and Allies (SoCal)
Please join us for a FUN and FREE THEATRE ACTIVISM WORKSHOP for GLBTQ youth & their allies!
Through brainstorming, discussion, improvisation and theatre & performance
art exercises, we will collaborate to create fun & powerful school
assemblies & PSA's...
*to promote positive images of GLBTQ youth!
*to confront homophobia!
*to open dialogue about GLBT issues!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
NO THEATRE EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY!!
Sunday, January 12, 2003, from 2-to-5pm
in Pasadena, at 960 E. Green Street, Suite #292, (626) 399-2933
Directions from Hollywood/the Valley/the West Side:
(from the West Side, take the 405 North to the 101)
Take the 101 East to the 134 East
Take the 210 East, towards Pasadena
Exit LAKE Ave....Hang a RIGHT at the top of the off ramp
LEFT onto Green Street
RIGHT onto Catalina
Enter the first parking lot on the RIGHT
pull in & park wherever... it's free.
Suite #292
For more information AND to RSVP, contact Cassandra at (626) 399-2933 or at mailto:skorpeogrl@aol.com.
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track
record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. Two published
anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning
documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir
Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators
& parents
and RAVE REVIEWS from youth!
*********************************************
9. Outright Radio - Queer Homelessness Story
Outright Radio is seeking a story for its upcoming hour-long documentary about queer homelessness. We have a half-hour segment from Portland, Oregon about a young lesbian's life on the street and are seeking a 20 minute companion piece for the show.
Outright Radio produces in-depth, documentaries, personal stories and insightful interviews about America's LGBT community for national distribution on Public Radio International (PRI).
What we're looking for: The story of a family that cast out its gay/lesbian child when he/she came out to them. We want to get the story of a family that is willing to speak about how their insensitivity to their queer child resulted in the child's homelessness. This could have happened long ago and are now re-united with the child as an adult. Getting parent(s) and child to speak about it together would be ideal. We are not intending to lash them for having done so. We are offering the national air time to a family that would be brave enough to tell this story with the hopes that it may save other families from making the same mistake.
If you know of anyone with this story or something along these lines,
please
contact us immediately at 1-866-OUT-RADIO (866-688-7234) or email us
at
mailto:David@OutrightRadio.org.
Outright Radio
http://www.OutrightRadio.org
*********************************************
10. Workshop: Artistic Tools for Grass-Roots Activists (SoCal)
Artistic Tools for Grass-Roots Activists: An Interactive Workshop
led by Brent Blair
The aim of the workshop is to provide artistic tools for grass-roots activists to seek new methods of promoting liberation for the groups they represent beyond the classic but often confrontational models of protest art and/or agit-prop theatre.
FREE! You are welcome to come and bring friends or colleagues of any age or skill level!
Saturday, January 11, 2003, from 2-to-5:30pm
Self-Help Graphics & Art - 3802 Cesar E. Chavez, East Los Angeles,
CA 90063 (on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Gage), (323) 264-1259
This workshop is sponsored by Fringe Benefits, the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed, and Applied Theatre Arts Los Angeles.
Please R.S.V.P to mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net as there will be limited space...
DIRECTIONS:
Please note: There will be no way to phone for directions on the day
of the workshop!
From the 60 east:
Exit Downey Rd and make a left off the exit, make a left at 3rd street,
go to Gage and make a right, it's on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and
Gage on the right. Park in the parking lot and go up the stairs.
From the 60 west:
Exit Downey Rd and make a right at first signal, which is Gage, it's
on the corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Gage on the right.
Park in the parking lot and go up the stairs.
A little bit about facilitator Brent Blair:
Brent Blair is a full time faculty member at USC's School of Theatre
where he is also the founding coordinator of Applied Theatre Arts. Blair
has developed curricula and programs using theatre in therapy, education,
social change and for youth since arriving from Boston nearly 8 years ago.
Blair is co-founder and chairperson of the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed
and Applied Theatre Arts in Los Angeles and will be hosting internationally
reknowned Augusto Boal for his second annual Los Angeles visit in April.
*********************************************
11. Southern Exposure Youth Art Showcase (Bay Area)
Southern Exposure's Youth Advisory Board is announcing an open call for entries for our Bay Area Youth Art Showcase, the first ever Youth Advisory Board curated art exhibit presented at ODC Theatre's gallery.
EXHIBITION DATES: FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 29, 2003
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: All works must be submitted by JANUARY 24 by 5 pm at Southern Exposure. No exceptions.
ELIGIBILITY: Artists 21 years of age of younger living in the Bay Area are invited to submit original work.
RULES: No Entry Fee! All artistic media will be accepted. Actual works must be submitted. No written proposals will be accepted. Works must be ready to be exhibited (i.e. work must have hanging mechanisms etc. if necessary). While every precaution will be made in the care of submitted artwork, Southern Exposure is unable to insure the work.
DROP OFF/PICK UP: Works may be dropped off at Southern Exposure Monday through Friday 10 am - 5 pm, January 13th through January 24th. Southern Exposure staff will also be arranging pick up dates with art teachers at local high schools. Check with your art teacher or Southern Exposure to find out those dates. Please contact Southern Exposure well in advance if you need to make other arrangements.
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
401 Alabama ST. @17th
San Francisco, CA 94110
t: 415.863.2141
f: 415.863.1841
mailto:outreach@soex.org
contact: Paige Cowett
JURYING: Works will be selected by the Youth Advisory Board. Final decisions will be made on Wednesday, February 5, 2003. All artists will be notified on Thursday, February 6, 2003.
NON-SELECTED WORK: Non-selected work may be picked up from 11 am - 5 pm at Southern Exposure February 6 through February 8 & February 12.
INFORMATION NEEDED (Attach this information to the back of the work):
Artist Name:
Age:
Address with Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Title of work:
Media:
Dimensions of work:
Value:
*********************************************
12. Job Announcements: School of Unity and Liberation (Bay Area)
School of Unity and Liberation - POSITIONS AVAILABLE
SOUL Educational Alternatives Program Coordinator
Advanced Organizing Training Coordinator
Development Director
SOUL Educational Alternatives Program Assistant
SOUL-the School of Unity and Liberation-is a youth movement building center that trains young people how to be organizers through political education and grassroots organizer training. The Educational Alternative Program is a year-round program in which SOUL facilitates political education workshops to high schools, youth organizations, and community youth groups all over the Bay.
SOUL is a strong affirmative action employer. People of color, low-income people, young people, queer and transgender people, and women are encouraged to apply.
To receive more information and job descriptions, contact Genevieve
Negron-Gonzales at SOUL:
1357 5th Street #A, Oakland, CA 94607
510-451-5466 x 309
mailto:Genevieve@youthec.org
*********************************************
13. NEWS: Anti-Bullying Programs in Sacramento Area
Sacramento Bee
December 19, 2002, Thursday METRO FINAL EDITION
HEADLINE: Pushed Around Students lead the way in trying to prevent bullying
at their schools
BYLINE: Pamela Martineau Bee Staff Writer
It can be a small gesture such as bumping into a child's desk and knocking school books to the floor. Or it can escalate into more overt aggression, like posting denigrating fliers about a student's sexuality or slamming someone into school lockers.
Many capital-area elementary, middle school and high school students say they have witnessed such actions by bullies, either as bystanders or as the unlucky targets.
"We see fights almost every week. We walk around and hear verbal harassment. ... Things like, 'Oh, you're so retarded,' or 'Quit being so gay,' " said Sandra Ramirez, a senior at Elk Grove High School. But Ramirez and a growing number of students in the Sacramento area and around the country increasingly are sending the message that campus bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
Counselors and teachers are helping kids identify the types of bullying, while principals are handing out firm punishment for student-on-student aggression, no matter the severity of the action.
The Davis Joint Unified School District recently hosted a series of forums to discuss school climate and ways to curb schoolyard bullying.
Davis Senior High School student Dwaimy Rosas-Romero has been active in the district's efforts and says she unfortunately knows the issue well.
As a Holmes Junior High School student, Rosas-Romero was bullied by the same girl for months. To this day, the reason she was targeted remains a mystery.
First, the bully spread rumors. Then the bully persuaded the people Rosas-Romero had befriended to shun her.
"I would walk around school and no one would talk to me," Rosas-Romero said. "At that age it hurt so much. I just had to go home and I would cry and be all sad about it. You feel so helpless."
Like many others, she kept the torment to herself, fearing that if she asked teachers or her parents for help, she'd be called a snitch.
Michelle Reardon, a Davis parent and president of the Emerson Junior High School Parent Teacher Association, said she hears of similar stories.
"Parents tell me their kids are harassed because of their weight or religion. There are cases, particularly against seventh-grade boys, where kids have their backpacks taken, or they are pushed against lockers," said Reardon.
Bullying has many forms, but among the most pervasive involves taunting kids who are gay or who are perceived to be gay.
A survey released Dec. 10 by the National Mental Health Association found that nine out of 10 teens who were surveyed reported hearing words such as "homo," "queer" or "gay" to describe other kids at least once in a while, with 51 percent reporting hearing them every day.
The toll of such taunting - whether tied to hostile views regarding gender, sexual orientation or even scholastic ability - can be lifelong, experts say, for the bystander, the victim and the bully.
More immediate consequences are apparent in the number of empty classroom seats. One 1998 study of eighth-graders found that 7 percent stayed home at least once a month because they feared being bullied, according to the Education Resources Information Center.
These victims often view school as a miserable place, the national study said, increasing student isolation because their peers do not want to lose status by associating with them or because they do not want to increase the risks of being bullied themselves.
Randy Hood, head of the Sacramento City Unified School District's school safety program, described such bullying as "a virus." If not stopped, it infects kid after kid who feels he or she can pick on others without repercussions, he said.
Hood is implementing a program that trains teachers and students to combat bullying. He believes that creating an environment in elementary schools that deems bullying as uncool will lessen the chance of kids continuing such corrosive behavior in middle school and high school.
The effort is modeled after The Caring Majority program, developed in Washington state, in which students are taught to swarm and protect the victim while ostracizing the bully.
In other programs, students take the lead to combat bullying on their campuses.
"Everybody knows it's not cool to bully, but the thing is, people are too scared to actually stand up and say it," said Rosas-Romero.
She and other Davis Senior High students have launched Friendship Days, monthly off-campus retreats where students from different ethnic and social groups talk about school life and its pressures. With help from school counselors, students get to know each other to move beyond any stereotypes they may hold.
In the Elk Grove Unified School District, high school students have formed Teens for Tolerance groups, which also work to reduce stereotyping and stifle harassment and bullying. The groups hold informal discussions that show students how to respect differences among their peers.
"Some people automatically think that if you're a rocker, you get bad grades, or if you're a cheerleader or football player, you're preppy," said Trang Vo, 14, a member of Teens for Tolerance at Elk Grove High School.
Members give monthly recognition awards to teachers and students who create a positive atmosphere on campus and who stress that bullying is hurtful.
Students at Elk Grove High also hold an annual Peace Week, where they pledge not to make mean comments or exclude others for a week. During that time, students can send anonymous apology notes, via student couriers, to people they have harassed.
Such anti-bullying efforts are essential because no one wants such behavior to breed the violence that occurred in 1983 when Davis Senior High student Thong Hyunh was stabbed to death by a group of boys who repeatedly bullied him.
Patti Fong, a Yolo County deputy district attorney and member of Davis Asians for Racial Equality (DARE), has been active in the Davis community's efforts to stem bullying since the group's formation following Hyunh's campus death.
Fong said she fears a tense environment at some local campuses could escalate into the type of violence that occurred in 1983 with Hyunh's slaying, or even trigger more campus shootings such as those that have occurred recently around the country.
DARE has asked Davis school district administrators to develop a standard reporting form so schools, and ultimately the district, can monitor how severe a problem bullying poses.
Schools don't have to quantify the range of bullying behaviors, though the state does require districts to track violence or physical threats on their campuses.
Davis schools Superintendent David Murphy said creating safer schools by reducing bullying is one of the district's top priorities this year.
In addition to tolerance groups, the district's schools hold assemblies and classroom discussions about the topic and ways to stop bullies.
Talking about bullying is key to eliminating it, many feel.
Davis Senior High student Babajide Olupona, 18, who serves as a student representative to the Davis Human Relations Commission, said he believes the community discussions about bullying that have been held by Davis residents are a good way to keep the issue in the public eye.
Olupona, who is of Nigerian descent, said he has experienced racially motivated bullying that he would never want younger members of his family to experience.
"There are some things that happened to me in first through ninth grade that just (horrifies) me to think about," said Olupona, who informally changed his first name to B.J. because of teasing by schoolmates.
"As a student who sees the racial lines being drawn and the separation with the cliques, I'm starting to get worried, knowing I have relatives who are going to go to the school," said Olupona. "I don't want to look back and say, 'Oh, I was there, but I did nothing.' "
* * *
The Bee's Pamela Martineau can be reached at (916) 321-1074 or mailto:pmartineau@sacbee.com.